Choosing The Perfect Wedding Cake: How Many Plates?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding on the small details such as how many plates to order for the wedding cake. It's important to ensure you have enough plates for your guests to enjoy a slice of cake without having to worry about running out. A good rule of thumb is to order 2-3 plates per guest, taking into account that some guests may want seconds or may drop a plate. It's also a good idea to have a few extra plates on hand in case of any unexpected guests or last-minute changes. By ordering enough plates, you can ensure your wedding reception goes smoothly and your guests have a positive dining experience.

Disposable vs reusable plates

When it comes to weddings, there are several factors to consider when choosing between disposable and reusable plates. Here is a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision:

Disposable Plates:

• Convenience and Ease: Disposable plates offer unparalleled convenience as there is no need for washing or returning rented items. Simply dispose of them after use, making post-event cleanup a breeze.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Disposable plates are generally more affordable than renting or purchasing reusable plates, especially for large weddings. They can be a budget-friendly option without compromising on style.
• Variety of Options: Disposable plates come in a wide range of materials, such as plastic, paper, and eco-friendly options like palm leaves or bamboo. You can also choose from various colours, designs, and shapes to match your wedding theme and create a stylish tablescape.
• Lightweight and Portable: Disposable plates are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for outdoor weddings or off-site events.
• Hygiene: Single-use disposable plates ensure maximum hygiene and cleanliness, which can be important for health-conscious guests.
• Durability: High-quality disposable plates are designed to be durable and can withstand both hot and cold foods without bending or breaking.

Reusable Plates:

• Formality and Elegance: Reusable plates, particularly china or porcelain, exude elegance and sophistication. They are well-suited for formal or semi-formal weddings, creating a luxurious dining experience.
• Environmental Impact: Reusable plates reduce waste and are more environmentally friendly than disposable options. This can be an important consideration for eco-conscious couples and guests.
• Quality and Luxury: High-quality reusable plates feel luxurious and substantial. They can enhance the overall dining experience, especially if you're serving a multi-course meal.
• Versatility: Reusable plates can be used for other events or special occasions, making them a more versatile investment.
• Rental Options: Renting reusable plates can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing them outright. Rental services offer a wide range of styles and sizes, allowing you to create your dream tablescape without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the decision between disposable and reusable plates depends on your wedding's style, budget, and personal preferences. Both options have their advantages, and it's essential to weigh the benefits to make the choice that aligns best with your vision for your special day.

Paper vs plastic plates

When it comes to choosing between paper and plastic plates for your wedding cake, there are several factors to consider, including the formality of your event, convenience, cost, and environmental impact. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:

Paper Plates:

• Formality: Paper plates are generally considered more casual and may not align with a formal or elegant wedding theme. They can be a good option for a laid-back or outdoor wedding.
• Convenience: Paper plates are lightweight and easy to dispose of or recycle, making them convenient for cleanup.
• Cost: Paper plates are usually more affordable than plastic plates, especially if you're on a tight budget.
• Environmental Impact: Paper plates are often seen as a more environmentally friendly option compared to plastic, as they can be recycled or composted.

Plastic Plates:

• Formality: Plastic plates can offer a more elegant and upscale look, particularly if you choose clear or decorative options. They are suitable for formal or semi-formal weddings.
• Convenience: Plastic plates are sturdy and less likely to bend or break, especially when serving heavier cakes or desserts. They can be washed and reused if desired, or disposed of after a single use.
• Cost: Plastic plates tend to be more expensive than paper plates, and the cost can add up, especially for larger weddings.
• Environmental Impact: Plastic is not as environmentally friendly as paper due to the issues of plastic waste and pollution. However, reusable plastic plates can reduce the environmental impact.

Ultimately, the decision between paper and plastic plates depends on your specific needs and preferences. For a formal wedding, plastic plates might be a better choice to enhance the elegance of your tablescape. On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability and environmental considerations, paper plates could be the way to go. You could also mix and match, using plastic plates for the main course and paper plates for cake and desserts, or vice versa, to strike a balance.

Plate sizes

Dinner Plates

Dinner plates are typically used for the main course and are the largest plates on the table. Standard dinner plate sizes range from 10 to 12 inches in diameter. These plates serve as the centerpiece of your table setting.

Salad Plates

Salad plates are slightly smaller than dinner plates, measuring between 8 and 10 inches. They are used for serving salads, starters, or side dishes. In a formal dinner setting, salad plates are placed about 2 inches from the edge of the table to the left of the forks.

Dessert Plates

Dessert plates, also known as cake plates, are smaller plates brought out specifically for serving wedding cakes or other desserts. These plates typically measure around 7 to 7.5 inches. For a wedding, it is recommended to have enough dessert plates for each guest, with a few extras in case of breakage or unexpected guests.

Bread Plates

Bread plates are usually the smallest plates on the table and are used for serving bread or rolls alongside the meal. They typically measure around 6 to 7 inches.

Charger Plates

Charger plates are large decorative plates that sit under the dinner plate to enhance the table's aesthetic. They are not used for food but can add a pop of color or pattern to your tablescape, matching your wedding theme. Charger plates are typically larger than dinner plates, but their exact size can vary depending on your preferences.

When planning your wedding, it is important to consider the number of guests, the menu, and the type of service (plated dinner or buffet) to determine the appropriate quantity of each type of plate. It is generally recommended to have at least three plates per guest for a formal seated dinner and two dinner plates and two side plates per guest for a buffet-style reception.

Number of guests

The number of plates you will need for your wedding cake depends on the number of guests attending your wedding. It is recommended that you have three plates per guest at a formal seated dinner setting, with one for the main course, another for a salad, and a third for side dishes. For a buffet-style reception, it is suggested to provide two dinner plates and two side plates per guest.

If you are serving a multi-course meal with appetisers, a main course, salad, and dessert, you will need a different plate for each course. In this case, for a guest count of 100, you will need 200 plates for a two-course meal and 300 plates for a three-course meal.

For a buffet-style reception with around 250 people, it is recommended to have 625 plates (2.5 x the number of guests). This takes into account that guests may use more than one plate when serving themselves from different food options.

It is always a good idea to have some spare plates. You may want to consider having 10-20% extra plates to account for any unexpected plus-ones, broken plates, or guests who want seconds.

Budget

Number of Guests

The number of guests you plan to invite will significantly influence your plate budget. As a general rule, it's recommended to have three plates per guest to account for different courses and potential seconds. So, for 100 guests, you'd need 300 plates. This calculation is a good starting point, but you may need more or fewer depending on other factors.

Type of Event and Menu

The type of event and your menu choices will also impact your plate budget. For example, at a corporate dinner or wedding, guests typically expect full meals, whereas birthdays, baby showers, and cocktail parties involve more snacks. If you're serving a multi-course meal with appetisers, a main course, salad, and dessert, you'll need a different plate for each course. Simplifying your menu and serving fewer courses can reduce the number of plates required and save costs.

Service Style

The style of service you choose will also affect your plate budget. For a formal seated dinner, each guest should have a minimum of three plates: one for the main course, one for salad or starters, and another for side dishes. On the other hand, for a buffet-style reception, providing two dinner plates and two side plates per guest is generally sufficient, although some guests may still prefer a fresh plate for seconds.

Disposable vs. Reusable Plates

Another critical budget consideration is whether to go for disposable or reusable plates. Disposable plates are generally more affordable, especially if you have a large guest list, but they may not offer the same aesthetic appeal as ceramic or china plates. If you choose disposable plates, you can find a variety of options, including plastic or paper plates, in different colours and designs to match your wedding theme. However, if you want to impress your guests with exquisite tableware, renting or purchasing ceramic or china plates is the way to go, although this option will likely be more expensive.

Extras and Breakages

Finally, don't forget to factor in extras for unexpected guests, children, and breakages. It's generally recommended to have 10-20% extra plates to be on the safe side and avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Frequently asked questions