Franklin Dean
Choosing the right beer to serve at a wedding can be a daunting task, especially with the wide variety of beers available. There are several factors to consider when selecting the perfect beer for your big day, such as the season, venue, and theme of the wedding, as well as the food that will be served. It is also important to cater to different tastes and preferences among your guests, offering a variety of options, from light beers to dark ales, and ensuring that the alcohol content is not too high to avoid dehydration or excessive inebriation. Some popular choices for wedding beers include mainstream domestic beers like Coors Light, Corona, and Budweiser, while craft beers from local breweries can offer a unique and special touch. Ultimately, the choice of beer should reflect the couple's personality and create a memorable experience for the guests.
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What You'll Learn
Light beers vs. dark beers
When it comes to choosing the beer selection for your wedding, it's important to consider the preferences of your guests. Light beers and dark beers have distinct characteristics, and understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision.
Light beers, often referred to as golden beers, include popular varieties such as pilsners and IPAs. These beers are known for their simplistic and fruity flavours, with bitterness being a defining characteristic. Light beers typically pair well with lighter dishes like pasta, salads, pizza, and chicken. They are a good choice for guests who prefer a refreshing and easy-drinking option.
On the other hand, dark beers, such as porters and stouts, have a more robust and complex flavour profile. They are often associated with flavours like roasted malt, coffee, chocolate, and nuts. The brewing process for dark beers involves a longer, darker roasting of the malts, which contributes to their distinct taste and darker colour. Dark beers are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes, especially those with rich flavours, spices, and grilled or roasted meats.
While the colour distinction between light and dark beers is apparent, it's important to note that the specific styles within each category can vary significantly. For example, some light beers may have more calories than dark beers, and vice versa. Additionally, factors such as geography and personal preference play a role in beer selection.
When deciding between light and dark beers for your wedding, consider the food you'll be serving. If you're offering lighter fare, light beers might be a better complement. However, if your menu features heartier, more flavourful dishes, dark beers could be a better match. Ultimately, it's a good idea to provide a variety of options, including both light and dark beers, to accommodate the diverse tastes of your guests.
To cater to a wide range of preferences, you could offer a selection of popular light beers, such as Coors Light, Bud Light, or Heineken, along with craft options like Blue Moon or a local IPA. For dark beers, Guinness is a well-known choice, and you could also explore stouts and porters from local breweries to add a unique touch to your wedding beer selection.
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Domestic vs. imported
When it comes to choosing between domestic and imported beer for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to know your crowd. If your guests have varied tastes, it might be a good idea to offer a range of beers, including both domestic and imported options. This will ensure that everyone can find something they enjoy.
Domestic beers can be a safe and cost-effective choice for a wedding. They tend to be lighter and easier to drink, which is perfect for a hot summer wedding or guests who prefer something refreshing. Examples of popular domestic beers include Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Light, and Blue Moon. These beers are widely available and often more affordable than imported options.
Imported beers can add a touch of elegance and variety to your wedding. They often offer different flavours and styles that may appeal to guests who appreciate more distinctive or complex beers. Popular imported beers include Stella Artois, Heineken, Corona, and Guinness. However, imported beers can be more expensive and may not be as accessible, depending on your location.
If you want to offer a mix of domestic and imported beers, consider pairing them with the right dishes. For example, IPAs pair well with buttery lobster, while porters and stouts complement heartier dishes like chowders and stews served at winter weddings.
Ultimately, the decision between domestic and imported beer depends on your personal preference, your guests' tastes, and your wedding's theme and setting. You can even consider brewing your own beer or creating a personalised label to add a unique and memorable touch to your special day.
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Summer beers
Summer weddings call for refreshing, chilled beers to keep your guests cool. Here are some ideas for summer beers to serve at your wedding:
Fruity Beers
Fruity beers are a great option for a summer wedding, especially when paired with grilled foods or fresh fruit salads. Look for beers with notes of citrus, apricot, or even tropical fruits like banana. Some specific beers to consider are Blue Moon, Shock Top, or Ithaca Brewing Company's Apricot Wheat. Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy is another popular option, as is Sam Adams Porch Rocker.
Wheat Beers
Wheat beers are perfect for summer weddings, offering a light and refreshing option for your guests. Try pairing a wheat beer with a salad, like the Allagash White, which has notes of orange peel and vanilla. New Belgium's "Snapshot Wheat" is another fruity option, or you could go for a classic like Blue Moon or Shock Top.
Pilsners
Pilsners are a great choice for a summer wedding, offering a crisp and refreshing taste. Heineken and Stella Artois are well-known options, but if you want something a little different, try a California-made pilsner with American hops. This will give your guests a floral, less bitter option, perfect for pairing with seafood.
Lagers
Lagers are always a popular choice for weddings, and there are plenty of options to choose from. For a summer wedding, you could go for a lighter option like Bud Light, Coors, or Corona. Or, if you want something a little different, try a Sam Adams Boston Lager, which has a nice sweet malt flavor, or a European-style lager like Heineken.
IPAs
If you're looking for something with a bit more flavor, an IPA could be a good choice. Just be aware that some people shy away from IPAs because they can be quite bitter. However, there are some lower-ABV IPAs that are more floral and less bitter, which could be a good option for a summer wedding.
Non-Alcoholic Beers
It's also worth considering non-alcoholic beers, which have become increasingly popular at weddings. These beers provide a great alternative for non-drinkers, and their quality has improved significantly over the years.
Remember, when choosing beers for your wedding, it's a good idea to provide a variety of options to suit different tastes. You may also want to consider local beers or even making your own wedding beer!
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Craft beers
Craft beer is a great option to serve at a wedding, and there are many varieties to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Local craft beers
If you want to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding, consider serving local craft beers. These can be a great way to showcase the region you're getting married in, or even pay homage to places that are meaningful to you and your partner. For example, you could choose a beer from the city where you first met or select a few options from local breweries near your wedding venue. Not only will this impress your guests, but it also supports local businesses.
Seasonal and setting-appropriate craft beers
The season and setting of your wedding can help guide your craft beer choices. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding during the summer, opt for lighter, refreshing options like wheat beers or fruity IPAs. Conversely, if you're having a winter wedding or an evening celebration, consider darker, more robust options like stouts or porters. These beers will pair well with the cooler weather and create a cosy atmosphere.
Food-pairing craft beers
If you want to impress your guests, consider pairing your wedding dishes with craft beers. For example, IPAs go well with buttery lobster, while stouts and porters complement heartier options like chowders and stews. You can even get creative and name your beer selections based on your wedding menu, creating a fun and cohesive experience for your guests.
Custom-made craft beers
Take personalisation to the next level by brewing your own custom-made craft beer for your wedding. This option allows you to choose the style and flavour profile of the beer, and you can even design custom labels with wedding-themed names. For instance, you could have a pale ale called "Tie The Knot" or a porter named "For Richer or Porter". Your guests will surely appreciate this unique touch, and it will make your wedding truly memorable.
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Beer and food pairings
When it comes to beer and food pairings, there are a few methods to consider:
Contrast
To make an ideal pairing by contrast, pick a beer or dish with one strong, dominant flavour, such as sweet, rich or oily. An example of a good contrast pairing is oysters and stout. The oysters have a strong, briny flavour that can stand up to the rich texture and chocolatey notes of the stout. Another example is pairing a bitter IPA with spicy chicken wings.
Complement
This is one of the simplest ways to make a delicious food and beer pairing. Match rich foods with beers that have a heavy and rich flavour, like stouts or porters. For instance, a chocolate stout pairs well with a chocolate dessert. You can also match a malty beer with a sweet dessert. A caramel-flavoured amber ale pairs beautifully with a caramelised onion tart, as the flavours enhance each other.
Cut
This method is used to cleanse the palate and reduce the intensity of certain flavours. A crisp, carbonated beer can cut through the fattiness of a rich dish, such as pairing a light lager with a greasy burger. A citrus-infused wheat beer can also be paired with a fatty pork dish.
Balance of Flavours
The primary goal of a well-planned pairing is to create a balance of flavours. This involves matching the intensity of the beer with the intensity of the food. A bold, flavourful beer can overpower a delicate dish, while a light beer may be overshadowed by a rich, flavourful meal. For example, a light, crisp beer like a pilsner pairs well with delicate dishes like seafood. On the other hand, a robust stout complements rich, hearty foods like roasted meats.
Palate Cleanser
Beer can serve as a palate cleanser for dishes with bold or intense flavours, such as spicy Indian cuisine or rich fried foods. For instance, the crisp and refreshing taste of a light beer can wash down the heat of Korean fried chicken.
Personal Preferences
While there are general guidelines for beer and food pairings, personal preferences play a significant role. It's important to experiment and discover the combinations you enjoy the most.
As for specific beers to serve at a wedding, there are a few options to consider. Here are some suggestions:
- American Lager: Coors Light, PBR, or similar beers can be a standard "drinking" beer option for guests who don't have particular preferences.
- Wheat/Fruit Beer: New Belgium's "Snapshot Wheat" ale has great fruity notes. Pyramid Apricot Ale, Blue Moon, or Shock Top are safer choices.
- Pilsner: North Coast Brewery's Scrimshaw Pilsner is a good craft pilsner option for guests who want something light yet flavourful.
- Porter: Anchor Porter is a good choice for guests who prefer darker beers.
- IPA: India Pale Ales are popular and can be sourced from local breweries.
- Local Craft Beers: Consider supporting local breweries and offering unique, craft beer options for your guests.
- Popular Domestic Beers: Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors, and Corona are widely consumed and can be suitable for a broader spectrum of guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular beer choices for weddings include Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, Miller Light, Corona, Landshark, Blue Moon, Shock Top, Heineken, Stella Artois, Angry Orchard, Sam Adams, and Guinness.
It is recommended to have 2-3 beer options at your wedding. This will ensure your guests are satisfied without causing you unnecessary stress.
Lighter-coloured beers are more suitable for summer or spring weddings. Some examples include Corona, Landshark, and Sam Adams Summer Ale.
Porters and stouts are recommended for winter weddings, especially if you are serving decadent dishes like chowders and stews. You can also choose beers with winter-themed names or labels.
Providing a full bar can be costly and is not necessary. Beer and wine are usually sufficient for guests, and hard liquor may cause people to get too drunk.
