Beer Selection for Wedding (Urgent)

I would stick with a smaller variety, maybe 5 or 6 different beers, and at least 3 different styles. And of course, round it out with whatever bmc selection you choose.
And definitely make sure you guys have access to your personal favorite beer/wine. It's your wedding, after all.

 

I would provide more of an easy drinking beer that most everyone will enjoy or at least try. Probably a couple cases of a pale ale and a couple of maybe a brown or amber. Wheat beers are are good idea too for those new to craft. Then also bring some more aggressive stuff like ipa or stout for the brave or curious people, or the really drunk ones that won't even remember they drank their first ipa and loved it. Cheers and congrats on the marriage I wish you the best!

 

At my wedding we got two kegs of widmere hef. No one complained even the coors and bud crowd

 

Best wishes! I just did the wedding thing, so I know where you're coming from! Def pick your two favorites (his and hers!), and then add two basics like Lagunitas IPA, Anchor Steam, Sierra NV, etc (which will also help to be cost effective) and something a little lighter for your "don't care" crowd-- hate to say it, but Coors Light or Stella Artois might be good here. Cost effective, and big name recognition so guests won't be scared. That way you have your two personal faves, plus two other standard but delicious craft beers, and then one extra non-intimidating beer. Have a wonderful wedding!

 

I would make one case a MACRO regular, another case MACRO light beer and then the balance the beer you'd want to have there. I have a similar consideration. My son is getting married this weekend and they decided to have the after party at Dad's house.

 

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, just lots of it

 

oberon is always perfect for things like this...

 

i would go with
Oberon
SNPA
IPA your choice
Pils/kolsch

 

At a big party/wedding, sticking to a few beers is easier. Plus, you probably won't run out of any one type.

If you want to broaden horizons, pick a good pilsner that's easy for you to get. Maybe SA Noble Pils, Victory Prima Pils, or Great Lakes Wright Pils when it comes out. I don't know what GL or Victory's distro. is like in Tennessee, though.

 

For my wedding I had two kegs. I had 1/2 barrel of Bud Light for all of the non-craft drinkers and 1/4 barrel of Georgetown Lucille IPA for myself and others who do drink craft. We also had about 2 cases of assorted wines.

We had roughly 120 people attend and neither keg blew but both were about 80% consumed. I say it was worth it.

 

I see lots of people are recommending lagers/pilsners/kolsch... check out Pilsner Urquell, good and cost effective

 

You just need 3-4
BMC Lite for those who want it
Local lager/pale ale (or Anchor Steam or SNPA)
Local red/brown/stout (or Fat Tire or Turbodog)

No reason to break the bank or go nuts. It's a wedding, not a beer tasting. People need something tasty in their hand and they need to keep the line moving.

 

Anchor Steam and Brooklyn Lager are both widely available and affordable (relative to other craft beer). I'd stock up on one or both of those and then maybe buy a case of the stuff you and your wife like to drink and that other craft enthusiasts would enjoy.

Salute and congratulations!

 

Well, for starters, I would HIGHLY recommend serving liquor. Guests expect it and may be turned off if there isn't any. There are a lot of people who aren't really into drinking beer and wine all night. It's your party, but this seems like kind of a downer. At my wedding, I provided a nice selection of local craft beer and excellent wine, and the liquor was FAR more popular than either.

As for the craft beer - with a small wedding, I would serve maybe 4-5 beers. Find a good craft BMC substitute that is locally made, and the BMC drinkers will be satisfied - if there is a decent locally brewed Helles or Kolsch, or other 4-5% German-style lager or ale you can feature, that would be great, but it should be something that people will know - if the BMC drinkers haven't heard of it, they won't like it. Beyond that, a pale ale/IPA, a stout, and a feature beer that both you and your fiance really like. Make sure you overbuy in case there is a run on something - 2 cases of each with maybe a 3rd of the BMC substitute beer, but don't underestimate people's ability to drink when the drinks are "free." Unless you are inviting a bunch of teetotalers, there are probably 6 people coming who will alone will drink 72 beers.

 

A good Czech Pils is a wonderful thing. I'd say go for Sierra Nevada Summerfest as it just hit the shelves on the Eat Coast.

 

Victory Summer Love is a great choice... SN Pale Ale... Prima Pils... might even do a little Southern Pecan from LM as well... those are all good non offensive offerings....

 

3 or 4 choices is plenty for a wedding.

My suggestions for brews in TN that will please most beer drinking guests:

Cost Effective Standards
Miller Lite
Anchor Steam or Blue Moon
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
New Belgium Fat Tire or Guinness

Upgrade
Sam Adams Light
Victory Prima Pils
Schlafly American IPA or Oskar Blues Dale's Pale
Left Hand Milk Stout

 

I'd get 1 or 2 bier de brut like Bosteels Dues. Great way to have people say WOW that's a beer and it is quite appropriate for the occasion...and it's nummy.

 

Tennessee? Why not a Yazoo beer? They're not really known for their lighter styles, except, perhaps, for their hefe. But Dos Perros and Sue are wonderful beers--and something local, too.