Choosing plates for a wedding used to mean hiring crockery: booking it weeks ahead, collecting it, washing it, counting it and paying for anything that broke. Disposable plates remove all of that, but only if they are strong enough for a real meal and good-looking enough for the day. This guide covers what to look for.

1. Start with strength

A wedding main is usually hot, heavy and saucy: a roast with gravy, a curry with rice, a loaded buffet plate. Thin paper plates bend under that weight and can soften with sauce. Guests end up holding the plate with two hands or balancing it on their lap.

Look for a plate that stays rigid when you hold it from one edge. Our palm leaf plates are pressed from a single leaf around 2mm thick, so they hold a full hot main flat in one hand and keep their shape for 3–4 hours with food on them, long enough for a full reception.

2. Choose a look that suits the day

Presentation matters at a wedding. White party plates can look out of place next to linen, florals and styled tables. Palm leaf has a natural timber-like grain, and every piece is slightly different, so the table looks like it has proper serveware rather than disposables.

Shape changes the feel, too:

• Round plates for a classic, formal setting
• Square plates for a clean, modern table
• Hexagon and organic shapes for a styled or rustic wedding
• Heart-shaped bowls for desserts or favours

3. Match the plate size to each course

• Canapés: 11–13 cm square plates
• Entrée: 18–20 cm round or square plates
• Main: 23–25 cm plates, or 30 cm for a buffet where guests load up
• Dessert and cake: 15 cm plates or small bowls
• Grazing table: large trays from 35 x 25 cm up to 55 x 29 cm

A simple pairing is a 25 cm round main plate with a matching 15 cm dessert plate. For more options, see our size guide in the FAQs.

4. Work out quantities

As a guide, allow one main plate and one dessert plate per guest, plus about 10% extra for second helpings, dropped plates and the catering team. Our retail packs contain 25 pieces, so for 100 guests:

• 5 packs of main plates (125 plates)
• 5 packs of dessert plates (125 plates)
• Extra small plates or bowls if you're serving canapés or a grazing table

Planning a large wedding or supplying several events? Request a wholesale quote for larger quantities.

5. Think about the clean-up

With hired crockery, someone has to scrape, stack, wash and return every plate, often late at night after the reception. Disposable plates mean there is nothing to wash, break or return, which is one less job for family, the venue or the caterer.

6. Order early

We suggest ordering at least two weeks before the wedding. That leaves time for delivery anywhere in Australia, and time to order more if your guest list grows. Shipping is free on orders over $70.

Quick checklist

• Holds a hot, saucy main flat in one hand
• Looks like serveware, not a party plate
• Sizes chosen for every course
• Quantities include about 10% spare
• Ordered at least two weeks ahead

Common questions

Are palm leaf plates suitable for a formal wedding?
Yes. Their natural grain and raised rims look like proper serveware, and they suit formal, rustic and garden weddings alike.

Are your plates tested for food contact?
Yes. Our palm leaf tableware is independently tested by TÜV Rheinland, an internationally accredited testing laboratory.

Can I see the plates before ordering in bulk?
Yes. We usually provide free samples. Contact us with the products you're considering.