I'm sure that's true. However, there are no hard and fast rules for throwing a wedding reception. Every couple needs to plan a day that is special for them.
Cyborg, I understand you don't want your wedding to be just another party. I agree with you - a wedding reception, by it's very nature, is the most special party you'll ever throw in your lifetime.
But I believe a wedding can be classy and have paper plates. My wife and I have been blessed with enough disposable income and our children have been blessed with well paying jobs so their weddings haven't had to be "paper plate" receptions. But we've been to plenty of them. And had lots of fun. As Christians (Catholics - as are nearly all of our friends) the marriage ceremony itself is the most special part of the day. Everything else is gravy. Family and friends come together and celebrate the creation of a new family. I'd rather hear a couple flew great-grandmom in from Italy, thereby honoring the families they came from, than that they spent money on fine China for a grand reception.
It's easy to get caught up in the wedding planning, but in the end a Christ centered marriage is what's important.
I'm sorry I'm preaching. I just think so much is lost of what's actually happening when people get caught up worrying about doing what's in some wedding planning book.
I guess it depends on the person. Some people can get along with paper plates. I can't. It's just.. no way *lol*
BTW, you're not preaching. I want a wedding mass which I assume a priest will do but I've never checked :o)
When one follows the rules, one usually winds up with months and months of NOTHING to do and not worrying about the HOW and WHAT to do. That's WHY there are rules and there are rules for every possible kind of wedding. Rules just make life easier. It's not about being a "snob", showing off, or anything else that has been said or thought.