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.
Determine the number of guests and multiply by a minimum of 1.5x to get the number of glassware needed.
The first step in ordering glassware is to determine the number of guests that will be attending your wedding and order glassware a minimum of 1.5x your guest count.
(i.e. 50 person event must have a minimum of 75) glasses.
This ratio allows for all guests to have a glass, with stock for the bartender to draw from as guests request new drinks, and accounts for the turnaround time for wait staff to pick up, clean, and restock during your event. Guests, especially those drinking at an event, often set their glasses down and expect to come back to the bar for a new one. The bartender must have backup glassware stocked to not disrupt the bar. When serving beverages from glassware, plan for a dedicated wait staff to pick up, clean, and restock glassware for the bartender.
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 will be serving wine, you will need wine glasses. If you will be serving cocktails, you will need martini glasses or highball glasses. Make sure to have enough glasses for each type of drink you will be serving by estimating the number of guests you expect to partake in either wine, beer, or cocktails and multiply this by the minimum of 1.5.
Offering multiple glassware options will add additional expense but does create 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 cost-effective option for weddings, as it allows you to avoid the cost of purchasing, pre-washing, and storing a large number of glasses.
If renting this through your caterer, the waitstaff is often included in the overall cost and sometimes the pick up, delivery, and return.
If renting glassware on your own, make sure to choose a reputable company, to order enough glasses, and factor in the cost of the delivery, the pickup, and the additional wait staff that will be 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 a wait staff to continually dispose of the trash that accomulates throughout the event with this option.
