Plate Hire for Events and Catering

Hire dinner plates, side plates and dessert plates for events. Available in white porcelain and contemporary finishes. Live pricing, online booking.


Start Planning Your Event Today

Expo Hire stocks dinner plates, side plates, starter plates and dessert plates for events, weddings, conferences and formal dining across England and Wales. The range is available in white porcelain, graphite and storm finishes. All plates arrive clean and crate-packed.

What's available

Dinner plates are the largest in the range and carry the main course at formal dining events. A standard dinner plate has a diameter of 27 to 30cm. They are the most frequently hired plate type and suit every formal dining occasion from a wedding breakfast to a conference dinner.

Side plates sit alongside the main plate setting and serve bread, side dishes or amuse-bouche. They are standard in a formal place setting and used at most sit-down events. Starter plates are smaller than dinner plates and carry the first course. Dessert plates cover the sweet course and vary from a flat plate to a shallow form depending on the dessert being served.

All sizes are available in the white porcelain, graphite and storm ranges. White porcelain suits most formal events. Graphite and storm work for more contemporary presentations and events with a darker overall colour palette.

Events that use plate hire

Weddings with a formal sit-down breakfast need a full place setting of plates. A four-course wedding breakfast for 100 guests typically requires 100 starter plates, 100 dinner plates, 100 side plates and 100 dessert plates, plus additional serveware for the top table and serving staff.

Gala dinners and award ceremonies have a similar plate requirement. The choice between white porcelain and graphite or storm depends on the event's overall table design. Conferences with a catered lunch or dinner need plates at scale. The white porcelain range suits most corporate events where consistency and cleanliness are the priority.

Quantities and ordering

Order one plate per cover per course. A three-course dinner for 100 guests requires 300 plates as a minimum before you account for serveware and top table pieces. Add 10 per cent for breakage and transit. Expo Hire delivers across England and Wales. Book at least three weeks ahead for large wedding and event orders.

Secure Your Plate Hire Today: Book Now!

Ensure your event is perfectly set with high-quality tableware—reserve your plates today! Our seamless online booking system allows you to browse a wide selection, choose the ideal plates for your occasion, and confirm your hire in just a few clicks. With reliable delivery, no security deposits, and a hassle-free return process, we make event planning easier so you can focus on creating a memorable experience for your guests.

Need assistance? Our team is here to help!

Phone: 08009101100

Email: support@expohire.com

Stress-Free Plate Hire with No Security Deposits

We believe in keeping things simple. That’s why we don’t ask for a security deposit when you hire our plates. Our complimentary minor damage waiver takes care of small breakages, so you can relax and enjoy your event without worry. Just a heads-up: for any major loss or damage, we do have a fee that’s 10 times the hire price. Be sure to check our terms and conditions for all the details.

Hassle-Free Delivery and Collection Process

Determining delivery costs has never been easier. Use our carriage calculator to check availability and pricing for your location. Simply enter your postcode, and we'll confirm if we service your area, which of our branches is closest to you, and the associated costs.

Once you've placed your order, you’ll receive a full breakdown of delivery charges before checkout. On the day of delivery, track your driver in real-time via our order tracking page. The same applies to the collection, ensuring a smooth and stress-free return process.

Flexible Payment Options: Secure Your Booking with Just 25% Deposit

Planning a large-scale event? If your hire order exceeds £500, you can reserve your plates today with just a 25% deposit. The remaining balance can be settled up to 28 days before delivery, giving you financial flexibility while planning your event. Simply select the deposit option during checkout. Full details can be found in our terms and conditions. Book your plate hire today and enjoy a seamless, stress-free service!


FAQs

What types of plates do you offer for hire?

We offer a wide range of plate options for hire to suit any event, from classic porcelain dinner plates to contemporary graphite and storm grey plates. Whether you’re hosting a formal banquet, a stylish corporate dinner, or a casual gathering, we have various plate styles such as side plates, dessert plates, and specialty plates (square and oval) to elevate your event.

How can I place an order for plate hire?

It’s simple to hire plates with us! Just explore our online collection, select the plates that suit your event, check availability, and add them to your order. After entering your event details (delivery address, dates, etc.), you can confirm your hire with a few clicks, making the process smooth and stress-free.

Do you offer delivery and collection services?

Absolutely! We provide reliable delivery and collection for all our plate hire services. Our team ensures that your plates arrive on time and will handle the collection after your event, so you can focus on enjoying the occasion.

How can I calculate delivery fees for my plate hire order?

Calculating delivery costs is easy! Use our convenient delivery cost calculator by entering your postcode, and we’ll show you the closest branch, delivery fees, and any additional charges based on your location.

Can I track my plate delivery?

Yes, you can! On the day of delivery, you’ll be able to track your plates in real-time through our order tracking page. Just enter your event postcode and order number to get updates on when to expect our delivery.

I need to make adjustments to my order. What should I do?

If you need to modify your plate hire order, simply get in touch with us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate your requests based on availability. We recommend making any changes at least 7 days before the event to ensure we can meet your needs.

What if I need more plates last minute?

We understand that things can change quickly! While we recommend ordering plates well in advance, if you find yourself in need of additional plates last minute, reach out to us right away, and we’ll do our best to accommodate based on available stock.

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