How many glasses do I need to rent for my wedding?
When it comes to planning your wedding, one aspect that can often be overlooked is the glassware. Having the right number and type of glassware is crucial for a successful and seamless event. Here is a guide to help you order the right glassware for your wedding.
Triple your headcount to identify the minimum number of glasses you will need at your wedding.
The average guest consumes a drink an hour. When celebrating, guests often do not hold on to their glasses for refills, so we advise to have a minimum of 3x the glassware to your headcount. (i.e. 50 person event must have a minimum of 150) glasses.
This ratio allows guests to have a glass, with stock for the bartender to draw from for refills. The bartender must have backup glassware stocked to not disrupt the bar. When serving beverages from glassware, also ensure you have dedicated wait staff to buss glassware for the event. At most DIY bartending locations, they do not have commercial kitchens to wash, dry and restock glassware, that is why it is essential to provide a minimum of 3x your headcount in glassware. You may also want to have disposables on hand, just in case.
If you are also having a formal dining setting with glassware on the tables, we advise to add another round of glassware just for the dinner setting.
2. Choose the right type of glassware:
Depending on the theme and style of your wedding, as well as the type of drinks you will be serving will factor into your glassware selection. For example, if you are serving wine, you will need wine glasses, cocktails - cocktail glasses like a martini glass or highball glass, etc.
To have enough glasses for each type of drink, estimate the number of guests drinking wine, beer, or cocktails and multiply this by 3.
Offering multiple glassware options adds on additional expense but creates a formality to your event. Here are the typical industry terms for the glassware options:
Water Glass or Goblet - Water Glasses can take many shapes but are traditionally to be in the form of a pint style. Water Goblets can add extra beauty to your tablescape and are typically reserved for the reception tables. To save on costs, some couples opt for this glassware to be eco-friendly plasticware.
Pint Glasses - are traditionally reserved for beer. To save on costs, some couples opt for this glassware to be eco-friendly plasticware.
Wine Glasses - Red or Wine wine glasses can be selected for more formal affairs however to save on budget a standard wine glass can be selected for both. For a more relaxed or outdoor wedding, consider using plasticware.
Cocktail Glasses - Traditionally cocktails are served in highball glasses, martini glasses, champagne flutes, or other decorative glassware options.
Champagne Glasses - if you would like to do a Champagne Toast. You will also need Champagne glasses. Since this is traditionally a group event that happens once during your event you can order glasses equal to your guest count on this selection.
3. Consider your rental options: Renting glassware is the most sustainable option for weddings. We advise renting over buying to avoid the pre-washing, storing, delivering, and taking home a large number of dirty glasses.
If renting this through your caterer, the waitstaff is often included in the overall cost as well as the pick up, delivery, and return.
If renting glassware on your own, choose a reputable company, to order enough glasses, and factor in the cost of the delivery, the pickup, and the additional wait staff required to pick up, clean, and restock glasses throughout the event.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you order the right number and type of glassware for your wedding. With the right glassware, you can create a beautiful and memorable event for you and your guests.
For a more casual event or to save on the costs associated with formal glassware consider an eco-friendly alternative that can be purchased in bulk. Please note that disposable options should still include the cost of wait staff to continually dispose of the trash that accumulates throughout the event with this option.
