 | Low: Around $4 |
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 | Medium: Around $5.50 |
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 | High: Around $7.50 |
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| Typical costs: | - On the low end, plain stainless steel flatware costs about 35 cents to 45 cents per piece and plain wine glasses cost about 45 cents each. Glass dinnerware costs about 40 cents each for a bread plate, salad plate, dinner plate, cup, saucer and dessert plate. The per-person cost works out to about $4.
- In the mid-range, stainless steel flatware with a simple design or contemporary look costs about 45 cents to 55 cents per piece and colored or contemporary-looking wine glasses cost about 55 cents to 65 cents each. Plain white China dinnerware costs about 60 cents per piece for bread plate, salad plate, dinner plate, cup, saucer and dessert plate. The per-person cost is about $5.50.
- On the high end, fancy silver- or gold-plated flatware costs about 65 cents to 75 cents per piece and fancy crystal wine glasses cost about 80 cents to $1 or more each. Ornate China with a gold rim costs about 75 cents each for a bread plate, salad plate, dinner plate, cup, saucer and dessert plate. The per-person cost is around $7.50.
- For all-inclusive catering, flatware and stemware usually are owned by the venue and provided as part of the total price.
What should be included: | - The rental company usually will deliver the stemware and flatware packed in containers, clean and ready to use. Most expect it to be returned rinsed and free of food.
Additional costs: | - Some rental companies add a fuel surcharge for delivery, depending on the distance they must travel. And some have a minimum rental amount.
Discounts: | - Instead of renting, some couples choose to purchase their own flatware and stemware at dollar stores, thrift stores, or online at sites such as Ikea.com, where a 20-piece set of flatware costs $9.99 and a set of six wine glasses cost $4.99. You can resell or keep the items for later use.
- For very casual weddings, it can be acceptable -- and much cheaper -- to use disposables, which can cost as little as $1 per dozen.
Shopping for stemware and flatware rentals: | - For weddings taking place in the popular months of June, July or August, it is important to arrange rentals three to six months in advance.
- Tip: It is rarely necessary to rent flatware and stemware yourself, as the caterer or venue is almost always willing to provide it. But couples on a budget or who are self-catering or providing some of the food themselves might choose to do their own rentals. If you do, ask to see the rental company's inventory of flatware and stemware before you sign a contract. You'll want to make sure you are satisfied with the quality and condition of items. RentalHQ.com offers more advice on how to rent equipment for a wedding.
- Before you sign a contract, read it carefully, paying special attention to replacement costs you will have to pay if an item is broken or lost.
- To find a rental store, ask your venue or caterer if they can recommend one. Or, the American Rental Association lists stores that rent glassware and flatware by location.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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