Beer Options (Canadian/Ontario Brides/Grooms)

Honorary Canadian here.

Get what you would want and would enjoy. If it's free, they will drink it.

Get your favorite, and your FHs favorite.

Thanks... FH doesn't really like beer that much so I was thinking that maybe including a fruity cider or something might be good so he'd enjoy that and for those who prefer that sort of thing. I'm terrible at these sorts of decisions as beer is so yummy.

Check out Farmery Brewery -- it's a Manitoban company (shameless plug) and they were recently on Dragons' Den. I've had the beer and it's pretty tasty.

http://farmery.ca/

The Honey Lager! Then you could do black and tans with the Guinness!!!

OMG black and tans are my fave. Never seen them at a wedding.

You could also go for Rickard's Red or White -- those seem to go over well with most crowds, from what I've seen!

I think your suggestions work. I would get no less than 2 types. Mill Street Organic is fairly light but if you want lighter I would go with something popular like a Corona. I would skip the Guinness since that is more of a specialty beer. Big Keith's fan over here!

I'm getting Sapporo, Keith's, Moosehead and Great Western.

I would stay away from the Corona for sure. I agree that you need two types..

If you know your crowd, you may be better to judge by picking what people commonly drink. I had a party over the summer for Fh. We bought Heineken & MGD.

I agree with the Rickards suggestion. Only because it's my favorite haha. I'd just be sure to go with something common, and like the others have said, you need 2 types.

Moosehead and Rickard's Red might be real contenders actually... those two stand out to me as being the two that I'd like the best and that would go over well with our guests. Any other suggestions are welcome too!

@Winnipegwriter, I checked out Farmery Brewery and did a search but it doesn't appear the LCBO sells it. I'll def keep an eye out and if I'm ever out your way, I'll make sure to try some! I love local, craft beers as they can often be really good and sometimes just have some interesting flavours or twists that are awesome.

Bump (now that more people in Canada will be on)

I think we're planning to get a lighter beer and an amber. I love Steamwhistle but FH doesn't as much. We both like Mill Street. There's a local brewery here called Beau's that is pretty good. For these smaller breweries (especially in the local area), most of them offer kegs. We may do this, I haven't quite decided yet.

FYI, if you're getting your own alcohol, I assume you're talking about having to get your SOP (Special Occasion Permit) from the LCBO/AGCO and then purchase alcohol with that? You are also able to purchase from breweries directly, and you are allowed to make your own wine. If you (or anyone) have questions about the SOP process or dealing with the AGCO, I'm happy to help! I used to work there approving liquor license applications and SOP's so I know the ins and outs of the process.

I'm from ON, but not a beer drinker. I'm letting FH pick the beer, he's a bit of a beer snob. I have heard from friends that as long as it isn't open, you can return anything you don't use. I don't know if that's just for hard liquor and wine, though.

Ottawa2014, what is the SOP process? We need to get a special occasion permit for our venue. Do we get it directly from the lcbo?

We got Keith's, Kokanee and Bud for our wedding. Most of my friends enjoy Rickard's Red and White, so that would be a good choice to go with also.

Here in Alberta you can just buy your permit from the liquor store, don't know if it's the same in Ontario though.

I agree with the other ladies, we always buy Rickard's Red when we're not sure what people like to drink and it never fails to impress. In the summer we buy Bud Light Lime but that's not always for everyone

Thanks so much! We are getting the license and all that and have two smart serve bartenders to serve. The manager of our venue is helping us sort it all. I do know all unopened stuff can be returned so that helps so we aren't worried about buying too much. Thanks again for all suggestions!

Double post

Rickards White, LOVE Beau's (have 2 growlers from Christmas). We drink Molson but that is because fh deals with them for work.

Here is the link to the AGCO website with info on getting your SOP:

http://www.agco.on.ca/en/whatwedo/permit_special.aspx

You can read through the info, and then click the link at the bottom for the Application and Guide. You do apply for an SOP at an LCBO store, but you have to have the form filled out when you go. They may have them there, but it's lengthy and you need some attachments so it's definitely easier to do it at home and then bring it in.

There's a few different categories- whether you are selling alcohol or not selling it, and whether your event is public or private. Most weddings will be a private event (invited guests only). You have to make sure to include a sketch of the area at your venue where alcohol will be served. If the event is outdoors, you must send a letter to the local police, fire, health department, and municipal clerk's office informing them of your event, and include copies of these letters with your application. (continued...)

If your event is outdoors and uses a tent, you also have to send a letter to the local building department. If your venue is like mine and does weddings all summer, the contact at the venue will likely be able to help you with the sketch and the letters.

I think the biggest piece of advice I have is to make sure you apply early- it says 30 days but it's best to do it earlier, just in case. As well, it will ask you for the times of your event. Mine for example, we have the ceremony at 4:30pm and then cocktails start at 5pm and are served until midnight. However, on my SOP application I am going to say 3pm (when we arrive at the venue) until 1am (when we have to be out), so that we can still (legally) have drinks before the ceremony and if we go a little longer it's ok.

Any other questions I'm happy to help!

Mill Street Organic seems to be a pretty easy sell, I think that's what I would pick as a lighter beer! And I'm all about supporting Canadian beer businesses when possible, so yeah I'd say Mill St. and Keith's Red...I'm not a big fan of darker beers but most people I know looooove the Keith's lol. I'm personally also a big fan of Steam Whistle Just another suggestion!