Let's Raise a Glass to Beer as the Summer Wedding Champ

Everybody, mark your calendars, because today, August 7th, is a day like no other... Happy International Beer Day! Beer is just one of those things that we can’t get enough of, especially during these late summer evenings where it’s too hot (yet again) to do anything besides crack open a cold one and sit on your porch. Now, don’t get us wrong. We LOVE all those fruity cocktails and mocktails that showcase fresh summer berries and maybe even a sprig of mint or two, too. And wine? Well, wine is a year-round favorite. But we can’t lie; there are times where beer just really can’t be beaten, and one of those times might even be weddings — especially today of all days!

There’s no denying that one of the most stressful tasks in wedding reception planning is figuring out your course of action for drinks. Open bar, beer and wine only, custom cocktails, cash only — it’s enough options to make your head spin. But there may be hope for you yet... Beer is one of those things that just works as a crowd favorite. There are so many different kinds that you’re bound to find something that pleases everyone; plus you won’t have to break the bank too much to buy it in bulk, even if you do decide to go with a craft or microbrew option. 

There are so many reasons that beer is the way to go for a summer wedding. For starters, it comes in its own glass! No more worrying about whether the catering company brought the right wine glasses or watching nervously as your little cousins weave their way under waiters bringing cocktail refills to Table 6. Sure, beer bottles break, but you just grab another one out of the cooler and get the party started again!  

What’s more, beer is one of those things that is drinkable without too many consequences. We aren’t saying you can’t get drunk on beer — college parties have been proving that for years — but it’s definitely harder than straight liquor or a mixed drink. Now there’s nothing wrong with getting a buzz on at a wedding (it is a party after all!) but no one wants to disturb the night as the family member or friend who had one (or three) too many. Beer allows everyone to enjoy their alcohol at a much more responsible rate and that way you don’t have to worry about the consequences of who’s been drinking what all night. 

If you're worried about who might think what if you happen to serve beer at your wedding, don’t! The culture around beer in the past couple of years has skyrocketed with craft breweries becoming as popular as some of the top restaurants in one city or another. There is plenty to learn about local breweries and how they craft (get it?) a great beer — and how they often are community-focused and give back to the areas that gave them their start. There’s nothing wrong with having a couple of racks of Bud Light Limes under the bar either, but beer can be enjoyed for its complexities just as much as wine, so don’t be afraid to show off some of your favorites. 

That being said, if you’re a beer drinker, beer might be the perfect way to relax at your own wedding. Don’t force yourself through a glass of Bordeaux if it’s really not your thing. Remember that your wedding is about you and should be an authentic representation of how you like to celebrate. It doesn’t matter if you hold your wedding reception outdoors or at a fancy hotel. If beer is your drink of choice and helps you enjoy yourself with your new partner and your closest friends, then make sure you have some. It might be a way to keep things casual and not add additional stress over the “proper” or “traditional” wedding refreshments. 

Even for those people who might think beer isn’t their “thing,” summer beer options offer lots of variety in taste and flavor profile that might be just the thing to suit their needs. Check out some radlers or some shandy options, both of which are beer mixed with either lemonade, citrus soda, or other carbonated soft drinks to provide a slightly more refreshing drink with a lower ABV and not as much of that “beer” flavor that some people don’t like.

If people are against the fullness or the high calorie content of beers, check out some sessions beers for a slightly lower alcohol content and a bit more mild taste. For those die-hard beer drinks, some classic IPAs or Double IPAs will suit their beer needs, but choosing beer for a wedding drink means lots of room for variety. You can even do beer flights to allow people some tasting options! 

Let’s face it: beer is truly a summer wedding champ for all sorts of reasons. A classic summer drink that won’t break the budget and can allow you to relax and enjoy your night, beer might be the way to go for your summer wedding. So tonight, pour one out for yourself and get to wedding planning! Happy International Beer Day, everyone!