CUTLERY, CROCKERY & COVERS

If you do this and decide that you want to invest in your own products for the day, then here are some suggestions and things to think about before you get stuck in:

·         If you’re drafting in your own crockery, think carefully about the size of the table. Huge charger-style plates may sound a fantastic option, but if they leave little room for the favours, menus and glasses then they’re probably not a good idea.

·         Rather than investing in plain linen, instead why not opt for patterned designs. Floral, tartan and seasonal designs are quite popular, or the patriots among you, why not go for a national flag!

·         Cutlery doesn’t have to be stainless steel. Silver cutlery can easily be sourced, or for those of you with a gold colour scheme, gold-plated cutlery can be tracked down if you look hard enough.

·         If you’re feeling flush, why not do as the Royal Family do and get your own monogrammed cutlery and crockery. Granted, you won’t be able to take it back afterwards, and you’ll probably not have need for 150 dinner plates anytime soon, but like we said – if you’re feeling flush!

·         What about plastic? OK, so it’s not the most romantic and classy of suggestions and we wouldn’t recommend it for formal affairs, but it is a cost effective solution and is ideal for an outdoor/marquee reception or for evening do’s by which time the guests are normally more inebriated and more likely to do damage!

·         Think about the setting up element. It’s all well and good assuming that the person providing the chair covers will set everything up for you but they may assume that the venue will be doing it and vice-versa so it’s well worth checking out or our Ushers could be in for some unexpected tasks!

·         Don’t forget the glasses! Whether it’s for a welcome drink, the toasts, during the meal or for a pint on the night, glasses are everywhere. It would cost small fortune to hire in different ones for each occasion but it can be done. However, a common option is to get custom-engraved flutes for the toasts (sometimes just for the Bride and Groom) so this may be an option worthwhile considering.