Beer Battle: Can Vs Keg At Weddings

When it comes to serving beer at a wedding, there are several options to consider: cans, bottles, or kegs. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, convenience, and aesthetics. For example, while kegs may be more economical for large groups, they require additional equipment and can be slower to pour, potentially causing lines at the bar. Bottled beer, on the other hand, may be more expensive but offers a wider variety of options and is easier for rookie bartenders to manage. Ultimately, the decision between cans, bottles, and kegs depends on factors such as the number of guests, the formality of the event, and personal preferences.

Cost: Bottled beer is generally more expensive, but you pay for the packaging

When it comes to the cost of beer for a wedding, there are several factors to consider, and it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. While canned beer is the cheapest option, followed by bottled beer, and then keg beer, there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to weddings.

The cost of bottled beer is generally higher than canned or keg beer because you're paying for the packaging: the bottle, cap, label, and box. However, there are scenarios where bottled beer may be more cost-effective for a wedding. If you're having a small, intimate wedding, a keg might create waste, and buying by the bottle allows you to purchase in smaller multiples of 6 or 12, rather than the typical keg size of 55. Buying by the case from a warehouse store can also help offset the cost, although it may limit your flavour options.

Additionally, if you're offering your guests a wide variety of beer choices, it's more easily achieved with bottles and cans. You can offer a large selection without having to worry about overdoing the quantity. This is especially true if you're only expecting a small number of guests, as a keg could result in a lot of wasted leftovers.

Another factor to consider is practicality and ease of service. If your wedding is in a hard-to-reach spot, or you don't want the expense and trouble of setting up a draft system, bottled beer is a simpler option. It's also easier for an inexperienced bartender to open and pour a beer bottle than to draft a beer.

While keg beer is generally considered fresher and better-tasting than bottled or canned beer, there are additional costs associated with it, such as the tap and ice bucket. There may also be rental fees, deposits, and additional staff costs to consider. These extra expenses can quickly add up, making keg beer a more expensive option overall.

In summary, while bottled beer is generally more expensive than canned or keg beer, there are situations where it may be the more cost-effective and practical option for a wedding, especially for smaller events or when offering a variety of beer choices.

Quantity: A keg may be wasteful for smaller weddings, but bottles limit flavour options

When it comes to serving beer at a wedding, there are several factors to consider when deciding between bottles or cans and kegs. One key consideration is the quantity of beer that will be consumed, as this can impact the waste generated and the variety of options available to guests.

For smaller weddings, bottles or cans are often a more practical choice than kegs. With a keg, you typically need to commit to a larger volume of beer, which can lead to significant waste if not all the beer is consumed. Bottles and cans offer more flexibility in this regard, as you can purchase smaller quantities and provide a wider range of flavour options for your guests. This is especially true if you buy by the case or directly from a brewery, which can help offset the generally higher cost of bottled or canned beer.

On the other hand, if you have a large number of guests and expect high beer consumption, kegs can be a more economical and efficient option. A single keg can provide around 120 to 165 12-ounce servings, depending on the size. This means that for a large wedding, you may only need one or two kegs, reducing the amount of waste compared to buying individual bottles or cans. Additionally, kegs can be a good option if you want to offer a limited selection of beers, such as a signature craft beer that may not be available in bottles or cans.

It's worth noting that the decision between bottles/cans and kegs also depends on other factors, such as the availability of certain varieties, the ease of service, and the overall aesthetic you want to create at your wedding. However, when it comes to quantity and flavour options, bottles and cans typically offer more flexibility for smaller weddings, while kegs can be more cost-effective and generate less waste for larger events.

Variety: Bottles and cans offer a wider variety of beer choices for guests

When it comes to offering your wedding guests a wide variety of beer choices, bottles and cans are the way to go. This is especially true if you have a small guest list, as a keg might create waste. With bottles and cans, you can offer a big selection without overdoing the quantity. You can also easily buy by the case at a warehouse store to help offset the cost.

If you're set on serving a large variety of beers, you'll want to stick with bottles and cans, as some breweries only offer certain beers in kegs, bottles, or cans. For example, your favourite microbrewery might only offer their beer in kegs, whereas an out-of-state brewer might only can their product.

Bottles and cans also offer more flexibility in terms of quantity. A keg typically contains 55 servings, whereas bottles and cans can be bought in multiples of 6 or 12. This means you can offer a variety of beers without having to buy large quantities of each.

While it's important to consider the aesthetic of your wedding, and bottles or cans may not be the look you're going for, it's worth remembering that there are many craft beer options available in these formats. You can also buy direct from a brewery to get a larger variety at a fair price.

Finally, if you're hiring a rookie bartender or someone who isn't a professional, bottles are a safer bet. It's much harder to mess up opening and pouring a beer bottle than it is to draft a beer.

Service: Drafting is harder than opening a bottle. Rookie bartenders may struggle with kegs

Serving beer on tap is harder than opening a bottle. Drafting beer is a skill that requires practice to get right, and it's easy to mess up. If you're hiring a rookie bartender or a regular person posing as a bartender for the day, buy bottles. It's hard to mess up opening and pouring a beer bottle.

If you're serving beer at a wedding, you'll need to consider the time it takes to pour. You don't want a long line forming at the bar. One way to speed up service is to pour the beer into a pitcher first, which helps to reduce foam and allows you to serve multiple guests without having to return to the tap. Another option is to have more than one bartender on hand to keep things moving.

The setup for kegs can also be more complicated and expensive. You may need to rent beer glasses, and you'll have to think about how to keep the kegs cold and how to dispense the beer. You can buy or rent a kegerator, or you can use a simple trash can or tub filled with ice.

One advantage of bottles or cans is that any unused beer can be saved for later, whereas leftover beer in a keg will likely go to waste.

Nostalgia: Drinking from a bottle or can is nostalgic and may add to the wedding experience

When it comes to serving beer at a wedding, there are several factors to consider, such as cost, variety, practicality, and aesthetics. While kegs, bottles, and cans each have their advantages, there is a strong case for opting for the latter two, particularly when it comes to nostalgia and enhancing the wedding experience.

Drinking from a bottle or can can evoke a sense of nostalgia and add a unique touch to the wedding experience. The distinctive crack of a can's pull tab or the pop of a bottle can transport guests back to their first beer, creating a sense of excitement and cheerfulness. The familiar sensation of holding a long-neck bottle or the satisfying clink of bottles during a toast can foster a sense of camaraderie and celebration.

Bottles and cans also offer the advantage of variety, allowing couples to curate a selection of beers that cater to different tastes and preferences. This can be especially important for couples who want to showcase their love of craft beer or offer a range of options to their guests. By choosing bottles or cans, couples can provide a diverse assortment without overdoing the quantity of servings.

In addition, bottles and cans can be more practical and versatile, especially for weddings in remote locations or with limited access tosection missing for draft systems. They are easier to serve and less prone to mistakes, making them a safer choice for rookie bartenders or non-professionals. Furthermore, unused bottles or cans can be saved for later or returned, whereas leftover beer in a keg is more likely to go to waste.

While cost is often a primary consideration, bottles and cans can be purchased in smaller quantities, making them a more flexible option for intimate weddings or events with a smaller guest count. Buying by the case or directly from a brewery can also help offset the typically higher cost of packaging associated with bottles and cans.

Ultimately, the decision between kegs, bottles, and cans depends on the specific needs and preferences of the couple. However, for those seeking to create a nostalgic and memorable experience, bottles and cans can be a charming and practical choice, evoking fond memories and adding a unique touch to the wedding celebration.

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