When planning a wedding, gala or other event, one of the most important pieces to consider is your beverages. Will you be serving any alcohol, or have a cash bar? Will you have a full beer or only beer and wine? What alternative non-alcoholic beverages will you serve to those who are underage, struggling with substance abuse, or who simply choose not to drink? And will you have the right glassware for whatever drinks you choose to serve?
It may seem like using the proper glassware is only for aesthetic purposes, but that’s not necessarily the case. Experts say that specific glasses can maximize the aroma and body of various beverages, and can even affect how quickly and how much you drink. But it’s also true that some choose to use specific glassware simply for appearances, to make an event seem finer and fancier.
Another important consideration is glass size. Smaller glasses can encourage guests to drink less, and often prevent waste by limiting the number of glasses sitting around 1/4 full. But larger glasses may help with crowd control by eliminating frequent trips to the bar.
Ultimately, whether you decide to serve your drinks in different glasses or pour everything into the same glass is up to you and your budget. Whatever you choose, Broadway Party & Tent Rentals has the glassware you need for affordable rental prices!
We’ll provide a quick rundown of some of the most common types of glassware below.
Beer:
- Pint glass: A standard, 16-oz glass that is a staple in most bars and restaurants. Many beer experts say these are actually not the best for more flavorful craft beer, but they remain ubiquitous.
- Pilsner glass: A tall, tapered shape that allows a foamy head to form.
- Snifter: A short-stemmed glass with a wide bottom and narrower top. These are most commonly used for heavier beers with strong aromas.
- Mugs or Steins: These are best for robust, flavorful beers like red ales, porters or stouts.
Wine:
- White wine glass: White and rosé wine are traditionally served in smaller, slender, tulip-shaped glasses. This is because small glasses help chilled wines stay cooler for longer.
- Red wine glass: Red wine is served in larger glasses with a bowl shape. This allows for more aroma to be released.
- Champagne flute: These tall, narrow glasses help retain carbonation and highlight bubbles.
Cocktails:
- Martini: The signature, sophisticated cone shape of a martini glass prevents ingredients from separating.
- Highball: These tall, thin glasses provide minimal exposure to air, which is why they work best for carbonated drinks.
- Lowball: Because spirits are usually poured in small amounts, these short glasses work well.
