How to organise an anniversary beer tasting

An anniversary beer tasting works best when the guest count drives every decision, from the venue and beer order to the number of glasses and tasting forms. Start by fixing the guest list and collecting dietary requirements, then choose the beers and tasting order before ordering food. The details most often missed are water, enough glassware, chilled bottles and a clear way to record each tasting. Use the plan below to keep preparation in the right order and avoid last-minute setup.

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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

1
Compile guest list
2
Reserve venue
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Put together a beer selection
2 people
7
Order beers
8
Order catering
9
Set the tasting order
2 people
10
Create tasting forms
11
Prepare name badges
12
Create a music selection
13
Confirm number of guests
14
Report allergies
15
Check the shopping list
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Pick up the beers
2 people
18
Check the beers
2 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Prepare snacks
3 people
21
Check the venue
2 people
22
Set up tables
3 people
23
Set up chairs
3 people
24
Set up tasting stations
3 people
25
Set out glasses
2 people
26
Set up the buffet
3 people
27
Hang decorations
2 people
28
Test music and lighting
2 people

Event

29
Welcome guests
3 people
30
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
31
Serve the first tasting round
3 people
32
Serve round two of the tasting
3 people
33
Refill snacks
2 people
34
Refill drinks
2 people
35
Serve round three of tastings
3 people
36
Serve break drinks
2 people
37
Serve four tasting rounds
3 people
38
Serve hot snacks
3 people
39
Serve the final rehearsal round
3 people
40
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
41
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

42
Chill leftovers safely
2 people
43
Take down tables and chairs
3 people
44
Wash dishes
3 people
45
Sort and remove waste
2 people
46
Clean the venue
3 people
47
Remove decorations
2 people
48
Pack equipment
2 people
49
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

Set the guest deadline before ordering beer or catering. Confirm the final number several days ahead, then check allergies and dietary requirements against the menu before shopping.
Choose the tasting sequence before the event and print one tasting form per guest, plus a few extras. Serve lighter beers before stronger or darker ones so the order is easy to follow.
Plan chilled drinks in advance rather than putting every bottle in the refrigerator at once. Use coolers or ice containers for overflow, and keep water glasses available throughout the tasting.
Allow setup time for tasting stations, tables, chairs and glassware before guests arrive. Put bottle openers, tasting forms and menus at each station so people do not have to share equipment.
Check practical equipment at the venue before the day: power strips and extension cords for lighting or music, a microphone if needed, and enough serving platters and utensils for the snacks.

Frequently asked questions

How much beer do I need for an anniversary beer tasting?: Plan the serving size first, then multiply it by the number of beers and guests. For a tasting of six beers, 100–150 ml per beer is about 600–900 ml per guest, before allowing extra for refills or spills.
How many beer glasses do I need for a beer tasting?: Use one beer glass per guest for a simple tasting, or one glass per beer if you want to compare pours side by side. For 20 guests and six beers, that means 20 to 120 beer glasses, plus around 10% spare.
When should I order the beer for an anniversary tasting?: Order the beer at least 7–10 days before the event, once registrations and dietary details are sufficiently clear. Pick it up or check the delivery several days ahead so missing bottles can still be replaced.
How long does it take to set up a beer tasting?: Allow at least 90 minutes for a small event and around two hours for a larger group. This covers arranging tables and chairs, setting up tasting stations, chilling drinks, laying out glasses and preparing snacks.

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