Choosing Between Cans And Kegs For Your Wedding

There are several factors to consider when deciding between cans, bottles, or kegs for a wedding. The number of guests, the formality of the event, the availability of a bartender, and the desire for variety in beer options all play a role in the decision-making process. While kegs can be more economical for large weddings, bottles and cans offer more flexibility in terms of quantity and can be easier to chill and serve. On the other hand, bottles and cans may be preferred for intimate weddings or when offering a wide variety of beer choices is a priority. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, venue restrictions, and practical considerations to ensure a well-stocked and enjoyable bar for the wedding guests.

Cost: Kegs are cheaper but bottles/cans are better if you want leftovers

When it comes to serving beer at your wedding, there are several factors to consider when deciding between kegs, bottles, or cans. One significant consideration is the cost, and while kegs can be more economical, bottles or cans offer advantages if you want leftovers.

Kegs are generally cheaper per volume, but there are some scenarios where bottles or cans can be more cost-effective. If you're having an intimate wedding or want to offer a wide variety of beer options, buying by the bottle or can allows for more flexibility in selection and quantity. This way, you can purchase smaller quantities of multiple beer choices without ending up with a lot of waste. Additionally, if you're concerned about leftovers going to waste, bottles or cans are a better option as you can easily store and enjoy them later. With kegs, any leftover beer will likely go bad within a few days unless you have the proper equipment to keep it fresh.

Another cost-related factor to consider is the serving method. If you opt for a keg, you may need to hire additional staff or rent beer glasses, which can increase your expenses. On the other hand, bottles or cans are typically served directly to guests, reducing the need for additional staff or glassware rentals. This is especially beneficial if you're trying to keep costs down.

It's worth noting that the availability of certain beers can also influence your decision. Some craft breweries may only offer their products in kegs or bottles/cans, so if you have your heart set on a specific beer, you'll need to consider the packaging it comes in.

While cost is an important consideration, it's not the only factor to think about when choosing between kegs, bottles, or cans for your wedding. The venue, level of formality, and guest preferences can also play a role in your decision. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal preferences and what will work best for your unique celebration.

Quantity: Kegs are good for large events, bottles/cans for smaller ones

When it comes to quantity, the size of your wedding and the number of guests you're expecting can help determine whether you should go for kegs, bottles, or cans.

Kegs are a good option if you're expecting a large number of guests and you want to provide a continuous supply of beer without the hassle of restocking. A half-barrel keg typically contains around 165 servings of 12 oz each, so it can be a cost-effective option for a big event. However, if you have a smaller wedding, a keg may result in a lot of waste, as the leftover beer in an opened keg may not stay fresh for long.

On the other hand, bottles and cans are more suitable for smaller weddings, as they allow for greater flexibility in quantity. You can buy in smaller quantities and offer a wider variety of beer choices to your guests. This can be especially important if you're catering to different tastes and preferences. Bottles and cans are also easier to chill and don't require the additional setup that kegs might need, such as a kegerator or ice to keep them cold.

Additionally, with bottles and cans, you have the option to return or keep any leftovers, which can be more challenging with kegs, as the beer may go flat or sour quickly if not consumed promptly.

So, when considering quantity, kegs are ideal for large weddings to ensure a steady supply of beer, while bottles and cans offer more flexibility and variety for smaller events.

Variety: Bottles/cans offer more variety but professionals recommend 3-5 choices max

When it comes to variety, bottles and cans offer a wider selection than kegs. This is especially true when it comes to seasonal, small-batch, or out-of-state brews. If you have your heart set on a particular beer from a microbrewery that doesn't bottle their product, for example, you'll need to buy a keg.

However, it's worth noting that offering your guests too much variety can be a bad thing. As a professional event bartender advises, a tightly curated menu of 3-5 choices of beer and cider is ideal for pleasing all guests without ending up with a lot of waste or leftovers. A large variety may also lead to indecision, causing bottlenecks (no pun intended) at the bar as guests take too long to decide what they want.

If you're set on offering a wide variety of beers, it's worth considering the practicalities of serving them. Bottles and cans are easier to chill and don't require the setup of a draft system, which can be costly and time-consuming. They're also a better option if your wedding is in a hard-to-reach spot, like a mountaintop. Additionally, it's much harder for an inexperienced bartender to mess up opening and pouring a bottle than it is for them to mess up drafting from a keg.

If you're concerned about the cost, it's worth noting that bottled beer is generally more expensive due to the additional cost of packaging. However, if you're having an intimate wedding, even a small keg may create waste, making bottles the more cost-effective option. Buying by the case from a warehouse store can help offset the cost of bottles, but it will limit your flavor options. Buying directly from a brewery can also get you a larger variety at a fair price.

Practicality: Kegs may not be possible for certain beers, and bottles/cans are easier to chill/serve

When it comes to practicality, there are several factors to consider when deciding between kegs, bottles, or cans for your wedding. Firstly, certain beers may not be available in kegs, particularly seasonal, small-batch, or out-of-state brews. In such cases, bottles or cans might be the only option to enjoy your favourite craft beer.

Secondly, bottles and cans are generally easier to chill and serve. Kegs require additional equipment, such as a kegerator, cold plates, or ice to keep the beer cold. They also need to be set up and tapped a few hours before serving, which can be a hassle if you don't have the necessary experience or equipment. Bottles and cans, on the other hand, can be easily chilled in a refrigerator or ice, and they don't require any special tapping process. This is especially important if you have a rookie bartender or are serving drinks yourself.

Additionally, bottles and cans are more practical for small weddings or events where not everyone will be drinking beer. A small keg can result in a lot of waste, whereas bottles and cans allow you to buy smaller quantities and offer a wider variety of options to your guests. This is also useful if you want to keep leftovers, as unopened bottles and cans can be stored for later, while leftover keg beer will go flat and spoil within a few days.

Finally, bottles and cans are generally safer and more convenient for outdoor weddings or weddings with a dance floor. Glass bottles are more elegant and can be served in glasses, but they pose a safety risk if broken on the dance floor. Cans, on the other hand, are often considered less formal and may not be suitable for certain wedding themes or aesthetics. However, they are faster to serve and reduce the risk of broken glass, making them a practical choice for large weddings or those with a lively dance floor.

Presentation: Glass bottles are nicer but less safe; cans are informal; kegs can be hidden

When it comes to serving beer at a wedding, there are several options to consider: glass bottles, cans, or kegs. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of presentation, safety, and formality.

Glass bottles have a nicer presentation and feel than cans or kegs. Drinking from a bottle creates a different sensory experience than drinking from a can or glass. However, bottles are less safe than cans or kegs for a wedding, especially if there is a dance floor. If a bottle breaks, it can be a hazard and cause injuries to your guests. It can also create a mess and require clearing the dance floor, interrupting the fun.

Cans are more informal than bottles or kegs and may be perceived as tacky by some guests. However, they are safer than bottles, especially if there is a concern about glass on the dance floor. Cans are also faster to open and drink from than bottles, reducing the risk of long lines at the bar. Additionally, cans are easier to chill and store than bottles or kegs, making them a convenient option for weddings.

Kegs can be hidden behind the bar, preserving the aesthetics of the wedding. They are more economical than bottles or cans, providing more beer for the same price. However, kegs require additional equipment, such as a kegerator or a cold plate, to keep the beer cold and fresh. They also need to be kept cold at all times to prevent the beer from going sour. Leftover beer in kegs may go to waste, as it will only last a couple of days, and returning unopened kegs may not be an option.

When deciding between glass bottles, cans, or kegs for a wedding, consider factors such as presentation, safety, formality, cost, and convenience. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the couple and their guests.

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