Don’t Forget the Glassware: What to Know If Your Venue or Caterer Doesn’t Provide It

When you’re planning a wedding, there are a few details that don’t seem glamorous, but trust me, they can make or break the flow of your day. One of those small-but-mighty details? Glassware.

You’d be surprised how often couples forget to confirm who’s providing the plates, glasses, and dinnerware. Many venues include them, but plenty don’t; especially barns, gardens, private estates, and other “blank canvas” spaces. And while some caterers and bartenders bring everything they need, others only provide the service, not the supplies.

So, if your venue or your vendors aren’t supplying the glassware, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got enough for your whole guest list… plus some extras. Here’s what to know so you can sip, celebrate, and stay stress-free all night long at your wedding with glassware rentals!

Step One: Confirm What’s Included

Before you rent or buy anything, start by checking with your venue, caterer, and bar service to confirm what’s included. Ask questions like:

• Does the venue have any glassware on-site?
• Will the caterer or bar service provide glassware?
• Is there an extra cost for it?
• Who’s responsible for cleaning and bussing throughout the night?

These details can easily fall through the cracks when you’re coordinating multiple vendors, but asking early can save you from double booking or realizing last minute that you don’t have enough glasses for dinner.

Step Two: How Many Glasses Do You Actually Need?

Here’s the reality: people do not hold on to the same glass all night. Someone will set their drink down during dinner, leave it on a table, or forget which one was theirs. It’s completely normal, and totally preventable with a little extra planning.

A good rule of thumb is to plan for two to three glasses per guest.

If you’re offering multiple drink options (say, wine, beer, and cocktails), you may need even more. Some rental companies even recommend closer to four per guest if you’re hosting a larger reception with multiple bar stations.

And don’t forget about water! If your caterer isn’t providing separate water glasses for the dinner tables, you’ll need those, too.

Step Three: Mix It Up with Glassware and Disposables

Not every drink needs to be served in fancy glassware, and it’s totally fine to mix and match.

If you’re featuring a signature cocktail, go ahead and serve it in something special. A coupe glass for your espresso martini or a vintage tumbler for your Old Fashioned adds such a fun touch. Then, use disposable cups or cans for beer, soft drinks, and anything casual.

Tip: If you’re using disposable cups, choose eco-friendly or recyclable options so you can keep things sustainable while still being practical.

This combo keeps the bar service running smoothly, reduces the number of rentals you need, and helps you stay within budget, without sacrificing style.

Step Four: Always Order More Than You Think

This is the golden rule. Always order extra glassware.

Even with careful planning, things happen: a few may break during setup, go missing mid-reception, or get tossed before being reused. Having a buffer ensures that your bar staff never has to scramble to wash glasses during the party (and that your guests never end up waiting for clean ones).

A good planner or caterer will help you estimate your quantities, but it’s always better to err on the side of more.

Step Five: Ask Who’s Handling Bussing and Cleanup

This one’s veryyy important. You can have all the glassware in the world, but if no one’s collecting it throughout the night, your reception will quickly start to look messy, and you’ll run out faster than you think.

Not every caterer or bar service includes bussing in their package. Sometimes they’ll focus strictly on serving, leaving the cleanup to venue staff or your planner’s team.

But here’s the truth: your planning team often doesn’t have the capacity to handle bussing throughout the night. We’re there to manage your timeline, oversee vendors, and make sure everything is running smoothly, not to collect empty glasses from tables (though we’ll always pitch in if something urgent comes up!).

When you’re hiring vendors, ask these specific questions:

• Does your team collect glassware during the night?
• Is bussing included in your package or an add-on?
• Who handles cleaning and restocking?
• What’s expected of us (the couple) at the end of the night?

If possible, book a caterer or bar team that includes bussing and cleanup. It keeps things organized and saves everyone a lot of effort. If not, then talk with your planner about bussing before hand; they can help you hire extra servers or they can add bussing to your package for an added fee.

Step Six: Don’t Forget the Back-of-House Details

When you’re renting glassware, remember: those glasses need to go somewhere when they’re dirty! Make sure your venue or caterer has a designated space or table for collecting used glassware and dishes.

If you’re using a rental company, ask:

• How should we return the glassware? (Most companies want items rinsed and placed in their original crates.)
• Will someone be available to pick up the rentals that night or the next morning?

A quick plan for the “after party cleanup” will make teardown way easier and ensure you don’t get charged any extra cleaning fees.

Step Seven: Style It to Fit Your Fête

Glassware rentals don’t have to be boring! If you’re renting anyway, consider using it as part of your design. Coloured glassware, vintage patterns, or even mismatched styles can look amazing and add personality to your tablescape.

You can also coordinate your glassware with your signature cocktail or overall theme; like tinted goblets for a romantic garden wedding or sleek modern glasses for a minimalist celebration.

Just remember to balance the aesthetic with practicality. Your guests won’t care what their glass looks like if they can’t find a clean one!

Final Thoughts on Wedding Glassware Rentals

Glassware might not be the first thing you think about when planning your wedding, but it’s one of those behind-the-scenes details that keeps your celebration running smoothly.

The key is to:

• Confirm what’s included with your venue and vendors
• Order more than you think you’ll need
• Decide whether you’ll mix real glassware with disposables
• Assign someone to handle bussing and cleanup

A little bit of planning (and a few extra glasses) can go a long way toward keeping your wedding night stress-free and fabulous — just how it should be.

---

How Fêtes by Linda Can Help

At Fêtes by Linda, my job is to make sure you never have to think about these things on your own. From confirming what’s included with your vendors to double-checking rental orders and setup logistics, I help you cover all the small details that make your wedding feel seamless.

Whether you’re planning a full fête or a more intimate celebration, my goal is always the same: to create a day that feels effortless, elegant, and completely you, without the stress of wondering if there are enough glasses for your signature cocktails 🍸