The glassware you choose affects drink quality, table presentation and the overall feel of the occasion. This guide covers the main glass types and how to calculate the right quantity for your event.
The glassware you choose affects drink quality, table presentation and the overall feel of the occasion. This guide covers the main glass types and how to calculate the right quantity for your event.
The glassware you choose for an event affects the quality of the drinks served, the visual presentation of the table and the overall feel of the occasion. This guide covers the main glass types, what each one is suited for and how to calculate the right quantity for your event.
Wine Glasses: The shape of a wine glass influences the way the wine is perceived. White wine glasses have a taller, narrower bowl that helps maintain temperature and preserve delicate aromas. Red wine glasses have a wider, rounder bowl that allows the wine to breathe and develop its flavour. For a formal dinner, using the correct glass for each wine type makes a genuine difference to the experience.
Champagne Glasses: Crystal flutes are the standard choice for champagne service. The tall, narrow shape maintains the bubbles and keeps the drink cold. For a more contemporary look, curved coupes or champagne saucers offer a different presentation and suit events with a vintage or cocktail-bar aesthetic. Saucers are also the correct choice if you are building a champagne tower.
Cocktail Glasses: Cocktail glasses are specific to the drink being served. A Margarita glass has a double-bowl shape suited to salted or sugared rims. A Martini glass has a long stem that prevents hand warmth from affecting the chilled drink. If you are serving a cocktail menu, the glasses should match the format of each drink.
Shot Glasses: Shot glasses are a straightforward addition for events serving spirits or digestifs. They are available in standard and themed styles and provide a clear, purposeful vessel for short drinks and shooters.
Hi-Balls and Tumblers: For mixed drinks, long drinks and non-alcoholic beverages served over ice, hi-balls and tumblers provide the right volume and shape. They work well for classics such as gin and tonic, Pimm's or Bloody Marys and are equally suitable for soft drinks, making them one of the most versatile glasses at any event.
Tasting Glasses: For wine or whisky tasting events, ISO-standard tasting glasses provide a consistent experience for all guests. For whisky, a Glencairn glass concentrates aromas and is the preferred choice at dedicated tasting sessions.
Polycarbonate Glasses: For outdoor events where glass is a practical concern, polycarbonate glasses offer durability without compromising on appearance. They are available in wine, hi-ball and champagne flute formats and are particularly useful at festivals, garden events and events involving children.
A practical starting point is to plan for five drinks per guest over the course of the event. This builds in a reasonable buffer for a fresh glass with each drink. Adjust upward for longer events or where heavier consumption is expected.
Always account for breakages. Glasses break at events. Having spare crates available keeps the bar running and prevents shortages. A general rule is to order at least three extra crates beyond the number needed for your guest count.
If you are hiring linen and cutlery alongside glassware, sourcing everything from the same supplier simplifies logistics and ensures quantities and delivery timings are coordinated.
For most events, hiring glassware is more practical and cost-effective than purchasing. There is no storage requirement after the event, no breakage liability beyond a standard damage deposit, and the glasses arrive clean and ready for use. Our send-it-back-dirty service means you do not need to wash the glasses before returning them.
We supply glassware for events across England and Wales, alongside catering equipment, furniture and linen.
What types of glassware can I hire for an event?
We offer wine glasses, champagne flutes, champagne saucers, cocktail glasses, shot glasses, hi-balls, tumblers, tasting glasses and polycarbonate glasses. Browse the full range on our glassware hire page.
How many glasses should I hire for my event?
Plan for five drinks per guest and order at least three extra crates beyond your guest count to cover breakages and avoid running short during service.
Can I hire glassware for an outdoor event?
Yes. We offer polycarbonate glasses for outdoor events where standard glassware is not practical.
Do you offer a cleaning service for hired glassware?
Yes. Our send-it-back-dirty service means you do not need to wash the glasses before returning them.
Can I hire other equipment alongside glassware?
Yes. We offer catering equipment, furniture, linen and crockery hire, making it straightforward to source everything from a single supplier.
Choose from our vast range of catering hire, furniture hire and exhibition hire products. Select from the categories listed below or use our great search function above.
