Wedding Glassware Guide
From wine glasses to champagne flutes - learn exactly what you need, how many to get, and whether to rent, buy, or go disposable.
Plan Your Full Bar Setup
Get exact quantities for drinks, glasses, and supplies based on your guest count.
Quick Summary
- Quantity: 2-3 glasses per guest without washing, 1.5 per type with washing
- Essential types: Wine glasses, champagne flutes, highball/rocks glasses
- Rental cost: $0.50-1.50 per glass including delivery
- Pro tip: Premium disposables are great for outdoor weddings
Types of Glasses You Need
The workhorse of any wedding bar. Universal wine glasses work for both red and white.
- Size: 12-16 oz capacity
- Quantity: 1-1.5 per guest
- Stemless option: More stable, modern look
Essential for toasts. The tall shape preserves bubbles and looks elegant in photos.
- Size: 6-8 oz capacity
- Quantity: 1 per guest (toasts)
- Alternative: Coupes for vintage vibe
Tall glasses for mixed drinks, sodas, and water. The most versatile bar glass.
- Size: 10-14 oz capacity
- Quantity: 0.75-1 per guest
- Uses: Gin & tonic, rum & coke, mocktails
Short, sturdy glasses for whiskey, old fashioneds, and spirits on the rocks.
- Size: 8-10 oz capacity
- Quantity: 0.5-0.75 per guest
- Optional: Can skip if no hard liquor
Optional - many weddings serve beer in bottles or cans. Pint glasses elevate the experience.
- Size: 16 oz pint glass
- Quantity: 0.5 per guest if using
- Alternative: Skip and serve bottles/cans
How Many Glasses Do You Need?
Use this quick reference for common wedding sizes. These assume no on-site dishwashing.
| Guest Count | Wine | Champagne | Highball | Rocks | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | 60-75 | 50-55 | 40-50 | 25-35 | 175-215 |
| 100 guests | 120-150 | 100-110 | 75-100 | 50-75 | 345-435 |
| 150 guests | 180-225 | 150-165 | 115-150 | 75-110 | 520-650 |
| 200 guests | 240-300 | 200-220 | 150-200 | 100-150 | 690-870 |
Rent, Buy, or Disposable?
Best for 100+ guests
$0.50-1.50/glass
- Professional quality
- Delivery & pickup included
- No storage needed after
- Breakage fees apply
Best for small weddings
$1-5/glass
- Keep or gift after
- No return deadlines
- IKEA, Amazon bulk options
- Need storage space
Best for outdoor events
$0.50-2/glass
- No breakage worries
- Easy cleanup
- Pool/beach safe
- Less formal appearance
Calculate your drink quantities first
Know exactly how much alcohol you need before ordering glassware.
Use the CalculatorPro Tips
Mixing Glass Types
It's okay to mix styles! Use formal glassware for dinner service and premium disposables for cocktail hour or late-night dancing. Guests won't notice the switch.
Order 10% Extra
Glasses get left around the venue, break, or go missing. Order 10% more than your calculation to avoid running short during the reception.
Check Venue Restrictions
Some venues prohibit glass near pools or outdoor areas. Others require you to use their rental partners. Confirm policies before ordering.
Polishing Matters
Rental glasses arrive clean but often have water spots. Budget time for someone to polish glasses before the event, or ask if the rental company offers this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many glasses do I need per guest at a wedding?
Plan for 2-3 glasses per guest if you won't have on-site dishwashing. With dishwashing available, 1.5 glasses per person per type is sufficient. For a 100-guest wedding without washing: approximately 250-300 total glasses across all types.
Should I rent or buy wedding glassware?
Rental is typically best for large weddings (100+ guests) - it's cost-effective at $0.50-1.50 per glass and includes delivery/pickup. For smaller weddings, buying disposable premium glasses or purchasing sets you'll keep can be more economical.
Are plastic wine glasses tacky for a wedding?
Not anymore! High-quality stemless plastic wine glasses and crystal-look acrylic are virtually indistinguishable from glass at a distance. They're especially smart for outdoor weddings, pool areas, or venues that prohibit glass.
Do I need different glasses for red and white wine?
For most weddings, one universal wine glass works perfectly. If you want to elevate the experience, use slightly larger glasses for red wine (to allow aeration) and smaller ones for white. Most guests won't notice the difference.
What about champagne for the toast?
Plan one champagne flute per guest for toasts. You can use the same flutes for sparkling wine during cocktail hour. Coupes (flat champagne glasses) are trendy but flutes preserve bubbles better.
How do I handle glassware breakage?
Rental companies typically charge $1-5 per broken glass. Budget for 5-10% breakage. With disposables, there's no breakage cost. If buying, factor replacement costs into your budget.
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