Glassware Rental: How To Choose the Right Glassware for Your Event

Event glassware rental in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Chicago. Wisconsin and Illinois.

There are over 25 basic glassware styles in existence. These types of glassware can be further distinguished by slight differences in designs, quality, and so on. All these factors together can make choosing the right glassware a nightmare. 

However, you're not completely hopeless. You have plenty of glassware rental tips at your disposal. Many of these can help you match glassware and event types. 

Read on to learn more about choosing the right glass rentals. 

Consider the Beverages You'll Offer 

Certain drinks are often served in specific glasses. Sometimes this is the case because of tradition. Other times, there's a more practical reason. 

A champagne glass flute is a good example of the latter case. The shape of this glass slows how fast carbonation escapes the drink. It also strengthens the taste and aroma by reducing the amount of oxygen in the wine. 

In contrast, margaritas aren't better or worse when served in a margarita glass. This has just become a habit. The exact reasons why this became a tradition are unknown. 

You should try to meet your guests' expectations for the drinks you'll serve. This way, they won't feel cheated or be distracted from the atmosphere you're trying to set. 

Champagne and wine glassware rental.

Consider Your Party's Theme 

You can override traditional glassware rules to enhance certain themes. People at fancy dress parties will probably expect the right drink/glassware pairings. For people at a more laid-back event, this may not be necessary. 

Depending on the theme, you might be able to use the same glassware type for all drinks. People at a luau or beach-themed event will be more than happy to welcome glassware typical of tropical cocktails for all drinks.

An Octoberfest-themed event is perfect for large beer steins. Mason jar glasses could work for country and/or cowboy-themed events. You may even be able to get colored glasses that match your event's chosen colors from a glassware rental service. 

You get the idea. Just try to carefully consider and/or research what people will expect in certain environments. 

Consider the Table Settings 

Are you serving a plated dinner? If so, you probably want your glassware to match the rest of the tableware. You should also consider place-setting traditions. 

Table place settings usually include a few glasses. There's a water goblet. There are also a few wine glasses for different drinks. 

Glasses for any other drinks are usually not included in this setup. However, you may want to assume some of your guests may want these drinks. You may want to order appropriate beer/liquor/etc. from a glassware rental firm just in case. 

You could, however, merely offer drinks like beer in their respective cans and/or bottles. If the guest asks for a glass, you can just use the water goblets. Try to balance your budget and guest needs as best as you can. 

Consider the Dangers of the Event 

You can't predict everything that will happen at a party. However, you can probably tell how most party situations will go. You need to use this foresight to choose glassware that will have you paying the least for any damages. 

Remember that certain types of glassware are more fragile than others. Also, some parties are rowdier than others. Don't mix the most fragile glasses with situations where they'll easily break. 

For example, a lot of things will break at an event with a lot of kids. This is not necessarily because kids tend to be rowdy. Kids don't have the same judgment and motor skills that adults do and this can lead to mistakes. 

Outdoor parties can also be dangerous for glassware. Guests may trip over uneven ground and drop their glasses. Carefully consider features such as these before you start planning your party rental choices. 

Glassware rental options for events. Wine, champagne, old fashioned, rocks, water glass rental.

Consider the Type and Number of Guests

Any glassware rental guide you come across will probably give you advice on glassware choices for the number of guests. However, the guide may not give you advice on how to choose glassware for types of guests. This is also important. 

Number of Guests

As far as guest numbers go, you probably want to do some number crunching. Try to calculate how many glasses and what types of glasses your guests will use. The types of glasses your guests will use will likely depend on their drink choices. 

If you know your guests personally, you probably know what drinks they'll choose. If you don't know them like this you can try to estimate based on general popularity numbers. You can look up the statistics of this online. 

Beyond that, you can assume each guest will have around one drink per hour. Multiply this by the number of guests and how many hours the party will last. If cleaning the glasses isn't an option, you should use that calculation to decide on the number of glassware pieces you'll need. 

Types of Guests 

Your guests' abilities also play a factor in which glassware pieces would be best suited for your party rental. You may have a lot of older guests. These individuals may struggle to lift heavier glass pieces. 

Beyond abilities, you should also consider the overall tastes of your guests. If you know most of your guests would prefer a certain type of drinkware, you should probably supply it. This can override any expectations for themes, beverages, etc. 

Rocks glass rental. Old Fashioned glassware rental.

Make Your Event Great With Our Glassware Rental Services 

Beyond all of this, you can just trust your instincts. Also, relax a bit. Things can still work out even if everything isn't perfect. 

If you're ready to use a glassware rental company, consider us. We're a full-service party rental company for Chicago, Milwaukee, and other cities. Along with glassware, we also rent tables, chairs, games, and more. 

Contact our customer service and let us know about your event. We'll guide you the whole way.