Celebrating the Ultimate Beer Lovers' Wedding

Sustainability, inclusivity, and ‘purposeful personalization’ are at the forefront of weddings for millennial and Gen-Z celebrants, reports wedding experts The Knot. While younger generations continue to value and uphold many wedding traditions, they are also keen to celebrate a party of their dreams—one in which the décor, entertainment, and food match up with their own idea of perfection. From outdoor barbecue receptions (featuring Josper-grilled food) to individualized portions of fried chicken, or intricate dessert platters for one, food is increasingly trendier, more outdoors-based, and creative than in the past. If you are planning your wedding and your fiancée is passionate about beer, how can you make this golden ale one of the most memorable components of your big day?

A Brewery Reception

There has been a spike in brewery weddings in recent years, owing in no small part to the large size and rustic flair of these houses of ale. Many breweries have stunning Instagrammable features such as brick walls, exterior pipework, wooden-beamed ceilings and other aspects that lend a space a warm, industrial vibe. High ceilings are the perfect spot from which to hang long strands of delicate lights, solid wood floors add elegance to the look of interiors, and extra-large barrels and fermentation vessels make gorgeous backdrops to photographs of the bride and groom. Finally, breweries have an abundance of beer and you can rest assured staff will bring out their very best varieties to impress your most discerning guests.

Pairing Food and Beer

It’s an old adage that couples getting married for the first time go all-out in terms of tradition for everything from wedding fashion to classic menus. Couples celebrating their second wedding shine in a different way, feeling freer to make it less formal and more personalized than the first time they said ‘I do’. They do everything from hold intimate destination weddings to celebrating surprise events or even brunch weddings—and beer goes perfectly with breakfast buffet style celebrations that last way past lunchtime and involve dancing the day away, drink in hand. If you will be having a more informal meal featuring a hearty buffet table or food served in trays while guests stand at garden tables, make sure that the dishes pair well with the beer you will be serving. Light lagers go well with spicy food and burgers, amber ales are ideal with smoked pork and fried foods, and dark lagers go fantastically well with individually served stew pots. If you will be having a Mexican theme, make sure there is plenty of India pale ale and serve a wheat beer with your favorite fruity desserts.

Delighting Friends with a Beer Bar

Your beer-loving guests will love nothing more than serving themselves a variety of craft beers from a keg, so set aside a spot in your reception to make this dream come true. Keep a few bottles on ice as well, including beers from all over the world—think Sierra Neva Pale Ale, Miller Lite, Starr Hill The Love, Downeast Cider Original Blend, and more. This type of set-up works beautifully with a big trend in wedding receptions at the moment—outdoor barbecue receptions, featuring traditional and Josper grills alike. Make sure the look of your bar fits in with the rustic vibe of the wedding. The bars should be decked in wood and bottles served in old wooden barrels alongside hay bales, potted flowers, and other country-style visual elements. 

Millennial and Gen-Z couples are making important breaks with tradition, celebrating their reception with country-style, grilled food that suits the new penchant for outdoor parties. Just a few ways to express your love of beer include holding your event at a brewery and serving food buffet- and tray-style, making sure to pair classic snacks with your chosen beers. Finally, make sure guests can try a wide selection of beer and serve themselves if they desire from old-style kegs.