Dishing Out The Perfect Wedding Dinner: Choosing The Right Plate Size

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and there are many things to consider, from the food to the tableware. The size of the dinner plate is an important factor, as it will impact the overall table setting and dining experience for your guests. So, how big should a dinner plate be for your special day? Well, it depends on a few factors, including the number of guests, the type of food being served, and your budget.

Dinner plates typically range from 10 to 12 inches in size, but they can go up to 13 inches if you include charger plates, which are often used in more formal settings. The number of guests you invite will also influence the number of plates you need, with a general rule of thumb being three times the number of guests to account for multiple courses and potential breakages.

The type of food being served will also dictate the size of the plate. For a large menu with multiple courses, you'll need larger dinner plates, whereas a buffet-style or cocktail hour with appetisers might only require 9-inch lunch plates or 7-inch dessert plates.

So, to summarise, the ideal dinner plate size for your wedding depends on the specifics of your event, but it's important to keep in mind that the plates should complement the food and overall table setting to create a memorable dining experience for your guests.

Dinner plate size

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and it's often the little details that can trip people up. One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the food, and ensuring your guests have enough to eat and drink. So, what size should your dinner plates be?

Dinner plates typically range from 8.75 inches to 12 inches in diameter. The larger the plate, the more food it can hold, which is worth considering if you're serving a substantial main course. If you're serving a large menu, you'll need larger plates, but for appetisers or a light lunch, a smaller plate may be more suitable.

If you're opting for disposable plates, plastic plates are a sturdy option that can hold up to cutting and won't absorb liquid like paper plates. Paper plates are a more cost-effective option, especially for large events, but they may not be as durable. For a more elegant and aesthetically pleasing option, ceramic plates are ideal, but they are the most expensive and will need to be washed.

When it comes to the number of plates, a good rule of thumb is to have three plates per guest. This will ensure that guests can have a separate plate for each course if you're serving a multi-course meal. If you're serving a buffet, it's a good idea to have 10-20% extra plates to account for guests going back for seconds.

In addition to dinner plates, you may also want to consider providing bread and butter plates, salad plates, and dessert plates, depending on your menu. These plates are typically smaller, ranging from 6 to 9 inches in diameter.

By choosing the right size and type of dinner plate for your wedding, you can ensure your guests have a pleasant dining experience and that your table setting looks beautiful.

Lunch plates vs dinner plates

When it comes to weddings, there are no specific rules about how big a dinner plate should be. However, the standard diameter of a dinner plate is between 10 and 12 inches, which is larger than a lunch plate. Lunch plates are typically around 9 inches, which is a good size for a sandwich and a few chips. If you're serving a larger meal with multiple components, you'll need a larger plate like a dinner plate.

Lunch plates and dinner plates serve different purposes and are sized accordingly. The lunch plate is ideal for lighter meals or snacks, while the dinner plate is designed for larger portions and main meals. The diameter of a lunch plate is typically around 9 inches, making it suitable for smaller servings. On the other hand, the standard diameter of a dinner plate falls between 10 and 12 inches, providing ample space for a variety of food items.

The larger size of a dinner plate is necessary to accommodate the typical components of a main course, such as grains, starches, proteins, and vegetables. A dinner plate that is smaller than this standard size would be inadequate for holding a complete meal. Therefore, it is essential to consider the amount and variety of food you plan to serve when choosing between lunch and dinner plates.

In addition to the standard lunch and dinner plates, there are also dessert plates, bread-and-butter plates, and appetizer plates. Dessert plates typically measure around 6 to 7 inches, while bread-and-butter plates can be up to 6 inches in diameter. Appetizer plates, designed for small bites or amuse-bouches, usually range between 6 and 8 inches. These smaller plates can be useful for serving specific courses or for more intimate gatherings.

When planning a wedding or any other event, it is important to consider the size of the plates in relation to the amount and type of food you intend to serve. For a more casual or light meal, lunch plates might be sufficient. However, if you plan to serve a full dinner with multiple components, opting for larger dinner plates will ensure that your guests have enough room for all the delicious dishes you have prepared.

Disposable vs ceramic plates

When it comes to choosing dinner plates for your wedding, you'll want to consider the size, material, and colour of the plates. The size of the plate will depend on the amount of food you plan to serve. For a large menu, you'll need larger plates, such as a dinner plate, while appetizers can be served on smaller lunch or dessert plates.

Now, let's discuss the pros and cons of disposable versus ceramic plates for your wedding.

Disposable Plates:

Disposable plates can be a convenient and budget-friendly option for a wedding, especially if you're planning a large event. They eliminate the need for dishwashing or rental fees, making them a popular choice for caterers and event planners.

Pros of Disposable Plates:

• Cost-effective: Disposable plates are generally more affordable, especially for large events, as you won't need to rent or wash them.
• Convenient and low-maintenance: They offer ease in setup, assembly, and cleanup, saving you time and effort.
• Variety of options: You can choose from various materials, such as plastic, paper, or biodegradable options. Plastic plates, for instance, are sturdy and can hold up well to cutting and liquid foods without getting soggy like paper plates.
• Portability: Disposable plates are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for outdoor gatherings or events where guests need to eat off their laps.

Cons of Disposable Plates:

• Perceived quality: Some guests may associate disposable plates with less formal or lower-quality events, especially if the plates are made of low-quality materials.
• Environmental impact: Traditional plastic plates can contribute to landfill waste if they are not recyclable or biodegradable.
• Limited durability: Lower-quality disposable plates may not hold up well with certain foods, and plastic utensils may not be suitable for cutting larger meat portions.

Ceramic Plates:

Ceramic plates, or "real" plates, encompass a broad category of non-disposable plates made from various materials such as stoneware, china, porcelain, glass, metal, wood, or melamine.

Pros of Ceramic Plates:

• Aesthetic appeal: Ceramic plates are arguably the most aesthetically pleasing option, adding a touch of elegance to your wedding tablescape.
• Durability: Ceramic plates are generally more durable and can be a better investment for recurring events, although they do require washing or the additional cost of renting.
• Suitability for formal events: Ceramic plates are more suitable for semi-formal to formal weddings, especially if you're serving a sit-down meal.

Cons of Ceramic Plates:

• Cost: For a one-time event, ceramic plates are typically the most expensive option, and you'll need to consider additional costs for delivery, setup, and pickup.
• Labour-intensive: Using ceramic plates means you or your caterer will need to handle the task of washing and drying a large number of plates.

The choice between disposable and ceramic plates ultimately depends on your wedding's style, budget, and personal values. Disposable plates offer convenience and cost savings, while ceramic plates provide a more elegant and formal dining experience. Remember to consider the type of food you'll be serving and choose plates that complement your menu and overall wedding theme.

Plate colour

When it comes to choosing plates for your wedding, there are a few things to consider regarding colour. Firstly, you'll want to think about the colour scheme of your wedding and choose plates that complement this. If you're having a particular theme, you could also choose plates that fit with this aesthetic.

Another thing to consider is the food you'll be serving. If you're serving food with a bland colour palette, like yellow and white, you might want to choose a fun, bright plate to make the food pop. For colourful food, it's best to choose a neutral-coloured plate so that it doesn't compete with the food. For dark food, a light-coloured plate will provide a nice contrast.

If you're looking for disposable plates, you could opt for paper plates, which are the least expensive option, or plastic plates, which are sturdier and better for cutting food or dealing with liquids. Paper plates are available in a range of thicknesses, but they will absorb liquid and can be flimsy, so this is something to bear in mind if your guests will be walking around with their plates.

If you're happy to spend a bit more, you could go for ceramic plates, which are a great option if you want your plates to look beautiful. They can be made from a variety of materials, including stoneware, china, and porcelain, and they will definitely add a touch of elegance to your wedding tables.

• White: This is a classic option that will go with any colour scheme or theme.
• Gold: Gold is a celebratory colour that can be used to create elegant and fancy plates. You can find gold-rimmed white plates or completely gold disposable plates.
• Silver: Silver is another elegant option for rimmed or completely silver disposable plates.
• Clear: Clear plates can be a great way to show off the food and also work well with a lace tablecloth.
• Pastel: Pastel-coloured plates can be a nice choice for a light and airy wedding aesthetic.
• Bright colours: If your food is mostly yellow and white, consider a bright colour like teal to make the food pop.
• Nature-inspired patterns: Botanical or leaf-patterned plates can be a lovely choice for a wedding, especially if you're going for a bohemian or outdoor theme.

Ultimately, the choice of plate colour will depend on your personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve for your wedding. Don't be afraid to mix and match, or to use the plates as a starting point for your décor search!

Plate shape

When it comes to weddings, the table setting is a key component of the overall aesthetic. The plates you choose should complement the food, and you should also take into account your theme and colour scheme.

The shape of your plates can add interest and depth to your table setting. Round plates are the most common, but you could also consider oval, square, octagonal, or rectangular plates.

Oval plates offer a stylish and elegant option, perfect for a sit-down meal service or a casual outdoor gathering. They are also a good choice for serving dishes on a buffet. Square and octagonal plates provide a modern and unique look, while rectangular plates are versatile and can be used for serving finger foods, sandwiches, or sweets.

If you want to mix and match plate shapes, consider using oval or rectangular plates for the main course and square or round plates for the side dishes. You could also use a combination of different-sized round plates to create a sense of depth and dimension.

For a cohesive look, choose plates with clean lines and simple shapes that complement your tableware and overall wedding style. Remember that the shape of your plates can impact how much food you can fit on them, so consider the size of your menu portions when making your selection.

Additionally, the shape of your table may also influence your choice of plate shape. For example, on a long, rectangular table, rectangular plates can create a sleek and streamlined look, while on a round table, square plates can add interesting angles and contrast.

Ultimately, the shape of your plates is a matter of personal preference and should reflect the style and theme of your wedding. Whether you choose classic round plates or mix and match different shapes, your plates will undoubtedly play a starring role in your special day's aesthetics and ambiance.

Frequently asked questions