Anniversary Beer Tasting Checklist

An anniversary beer tasting needs more planning than simply buying a few bottles. You need time to confirm guests, collect allergies, order the beer and catering, and decide the tasting order before the event day. This checklist takes you from venue and invitations to chilled drinks, tasting forms and fully prepared tasting stations. Use it to keep the evening relaxed and prevent common last-minute problems, such as warm beer, missing glasses or unclear dietary information.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Compile guest list
Reserve venue
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Put together a beer selection
2 people
Order beers
Order catering
Set the tasting order
2 people
Create tasting forms
Prepare name badges
Create a music selection
Confirm number of guests
Report allergies
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Pick up the beers
2 people
Check the beers
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Check the venue
2 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up tasting stations
3 people
Set out glasses
2 people
Set up the buffet
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Test music and lighting
2 people

Event

Welcome guests
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Serve the first tasting round
3 people
Serve round two of the tasting
3 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve round three of tastings
3 people
Serve break drinks
2 people
Serve four tasting rounds
3 people
Serve hot snacks
3 people
Serve the final rehearsal round
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

Chill leftovers safely
2 people
Take down tables and chairs
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Sort and remove waste
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Pack equipment
2 people
Return rental items
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 55
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Beer glassesqty 120
Water glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Pitchersqty 4
Bottle openersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 50
Table decorationsqty 8
Menusqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Catering

Tasting formsqty 60
Pensqty 60
Name badgesqty 60
Beer ticketsqty 8
Coastersqty 100
Groceries

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Tips

Confirm the final guest count before ordering beer, catering, glasses and name badges. Recheck it at least 3–5 days before the tasting so quantities and table space match the actual attendance.
Choose and set the tasting order before guests arrive. Arrange the beers from lighter to fuller flavours, and label each station or tasting form so nobody has to guess which beer they are trying.
Chill the beers in advance rather than relying on a last-minute ice run. Put the bottles or cans into coolers several hours before serving and keep separate water available between tastings.
Prepare one tasting glass, one water glass and a tasting form per guest, plus a small spare supply. Set out bottle openers, pitchers and serving platters before the first guests arrive; these are easy to overlook when the focus is on the beer.
Keep snacks and allergy information visible at the tasting area. Finalise dietary requirements before ordering catering, then check that the snacks, plates and cutlery are ready when the tables and tasting stations are set up.

Frequently asked questions

How much beer do I need for an anniversary beer tasting?: Plan the quantity from the confirmed guest count and the number of beers in the tasting. For a structured tasting, allow roughly 75–125 ml per beer per person, then add extra beer for arrival drinks and anyone who wants a second pour.
How many beers should I include in an anniversary tasting?: A practical tasting usually includes 4–6 different beers per person. Allow enough time for guests to compare them, and set the order before the event so the tasting does not become a series of random pours.
When should I order beer and catering for a beer tasting?: Place beer and catering orders at least 1–2 weeks before the event, especially if you need a specific selection or have dietary requirements. Confirm the guest count and allergies again 3–5 days beforehand.
When should I set up a beer tasting?: Start venue setup about 2–3 hours before guests arrive. Set up tables, chairs and tasting stations first, then place glasses and forms, check the chilled drinks, prepare snacks and test the speaker or microphone before the doors open.

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