Disposable Pint Glasses and Plastic Glassware for Events

For beer gardens, festivals and sports clubs, the standard is a flexible polypropylene pint glass, often called a flexi glass. It is light, safe if dropped, and cheap enough to hand out by the hundred. If you pour draught beer by the pint, a CE-marked glass with a certified capacity is the safer choice. For weddings and functions, plastic flutes and stemmed wine glasses look the part without the risk of broken glass.

Here is how to choose the right plastic glassware for each type of event, and how much to order.

In this guide

• Why use disposable glasses at events?
• Which disposable pint glass should I buy?
• What does CE marked mean on a pint glass?
• What about weddings and functions?
• How many glasses do I need for an event?
• FAQ

Why use disposable glasses at events?

• Safety. No broken glass on grass, dance floors or around pools.
• Venue rules. Many outdoor venues, sports grounds and festivals do not allow glass at all.
• Speed. No collecting, washing or drying between rounds.
• Cost. Cheaper than losing and breaking real glassware at a busy event.

Which disposable pint glass should I buy?

Glass	Size	Pack	Best for	Price ex VAT
Pint PP flexi, CE marked	Pint	800	Bars pouring draught by the pint	€52.99
Pint flexi glass	Pint	800	Events, BBQs, sports clubs	€52.99
Half pint flexi, CE marked	Half pint	1,250	Half pints, cider, soft drinks	€52.99
Red paper party cup	568ml	500	House parties, casual events	€43.40

Flexi glasses are made from polypropylene, which bends rather than cracks. They feel sturdier in the hand than thin disposable cups, which matters when people are standing around for hours.

What does CE marked mean on a pint glass?

A CE-marked glass has a certified capacity, so it can be used as a serving measure. When you sell draught beer or cider by the pint, the glass is effectively your measure, which is why licensed bars use certified glassware.

For a private party or a free drinks reception, a standard flexi glass is fine. For a bar selling drinks at an event, CE-marked glasses are the safer choice. If you are unsure what applies to your event, check with your licensing adviser or the NSAI Legal Metrology service.

What about weddings and functions?

For drinks receptions, weddings and corporate events, stemmed plastic glassware looks far better than a cup.

See the full range in disposable plastic glasses.

How many glasses do I need for an event?

A simple rule of thumb: plan on at least two to three glasses per guest for a few hours, because people put glasses down and take a fresh one. For a long day, like a festival or a sports day, allow more.

Event	Guests	Rough glasses needed
Evening party, 4 hours	100	250 to 300
Wedding drinks reception	120	150 flutes, plus wine glasses for dinner
Sports club fun day	300	900 or more

It is better to have a sleeve left over than to run out at 9pm. Put clearly marked bins near the bar so used glasses are collected, not scattered.

Planning the whole event? Our festival and event disposables checklist covers cups, plates, napkins and bins.

Frequently asked questions

What are flexi glasses?

Flexible disposable glasses made from polypropylene. They bend rather than crack, so they are safe for outdoor events.

What does CE marked mean on a plastic pint glass?

It means the glass has a certified capacity and can be used as a serving measure, which matters when selling draught by the pint.

How many pint glasses come in a case?

Our pint flexi glasses come in packs of 800, and half pints in packs of 1,250.

Can I get disposable champagne flutes?

Yes. We stock clear plastic 10cl champagne flutes in packs of 120.

How many glasses per guest should I order?

Plan on two to three glasses per guest for a few hours, more for all-day events.