Glass Calculator — Glasses by Drink Type

Each guest needs a glass for each drink type they will have. Typically: 1 wine glass, 1 water glass, and possibly a champagne flute for toasts. UK hire firms suggest ordering 10–15% extra for breakages and for people setting a glass down and taking a fresh one — this calculator adds 15% by default (the Spare Percentage). For delicate stemware or outdoor events you can raise the Breakage Buffer in Advanced Options to 20–25%.

For formal events, yes - red wine glasses are larger and rounder. For casual parties, one style of wine glass works for both. If hiring, standard wine glasses are versatile. Stem-less wine glasses are trendy and less likely to be knocked over.

One per person who will toast. Not everyone drinks champagne - some will toast with their current drink. For weddings, order flutes for all guests. For casual parties, 70-80% of guests is usually enough.

Yes. Every guest should have a water glass regardless of what else they are drinking. Water glasses also double as soft drink glasses. This is especially important at events serving alcohol.