Montana Bride
The Little things Local Cheers By: Brett Conner
Thoughts on Cheers!
picking up the kegs yourself, get plenty
Choosing your wedding beverages—
of ice, as well as an appropriate container
especially beer—can be challenging
to hold them. A galvanized tub or water-
with so many craft brewery choices.
ing trough works and looks great. You
With craft breweries seemingly pop-
can also dress up an otherwise blah trash-
ping up every day, the options can seem
can with a couple of extra tablecloths.
endless. Just a few of the factors you will need to consider are: price point, choos-
If you are serving cans or bottles, it’s
ing local to the area, keg vs. bottles / cans
often most affordable to go straight to
and the types of beer and selections you
the brewery. If not then check your
want to offer. If you are having a wedding
local grocery store, package store or even
of more than 100 people, our opinion is
the super market. We also recommend
at least two beer selections that are a per-
having these on display in a stainless
fect compliment to any fare. A light beer
steel beer cooler or large galvanized
(Pilsner, Belgian White / Blonde Ales or
bucket for easy self serve.
any Honey Ale) paired with a darker or “hoppy-er” beer (Cold Smoke or the Hopzone IPA) is a wonderful way
Drinking Vessel
to mix it up for your guests. Ultimately, you know your wedding guests
If you are not interested in ordering glassware from the rental company
better than anyone else, so choose what you think is most fitting for
or venue, we recommend biodegradable cups. These cups feel similar
your crowd’s palette.
to typical plastic Solo cups, but they are completely compostable. You can find several different options online and have them shipped to your
Some Favorite Montana Wedding Beer Choices
door. Being environmentally friendly is always a great choice and your
Belgian White- Harvest Moon Brewing Co. (Belt, MT)
guest will appreciate it! If your friends are craft beer fans, consider logo
Cold Smoke- Kettle House Brewing Co. (Missoula, MT)
glasses and pints from the brewery as a guest gift. Your guests can use
Czech Mate Pilsner- Red Lodge Ales (Red Lodge, MT)
them throughout the reception and then take them home.
Hopzone IPA- Bozeman Brewing Co (Bozeman, MT) Salmon Fly Honey Rye- Madison River Brewing Co. (Belgrade, MT)
Bar Tenders
Summer Honey Ale- Big Sky Brewing Co. (Missoula, MT)
We are big fans of hiring a bar service, even if you are doing just beer
Saw Tooth Ale- Bitter Root Brewing Co. (Hamilton, MT)
and wine. Bartenders can help you with ordering based on your preferences, budget and guest count. A professional bartender will make sure
When Ordering
the bar stays stocked; tap kegs as needed and make sure everything runs
Half Barrel Keg- 165 pours, (12 oz servings)
smoothly. As a professional bartender, they are also able to control the
Pony Keg- 82 pours, (12 oz servings)
flow of alcohol when a guest has had too much. Most services will break down your bar at the end of the evening and pack up the bar rentals
Estimate 2-4 pours per guest, but once again, you know your guests best.
properly. It’s important to note that some venues require a professional
If you are having doubts, cans / bottles are a good option, since you can
bartender on location for liability and insurance reasons.
you can stock your fridge with the leftovers. Let’s raise a glass to your big day! In many instances, you can order kegs directly from the breweries. Also check with local distributors, they may even deliver to you. If you are
Photo by MKate Photography
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Cheers!