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Just Said Yes March 2019

Water glasses - to fill or not to fill?

Traci, on February 15, 2019 at 7:23 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 1 12

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Hello all!

This is probably a silly question, but I cannot come to a conclusion on what to do about my dang water glasses!!

We are having a self-serve water station at the reception, but the water cups will be placed on the tables already. My question is - do I have the water cups on the table filled with water prior to guests arrival or do I leave them empty for guests to go fill-up their own?

My day-of coordinator said it is nice to have the water cups already filled when guests first arrive, but when I suggested it to my caterer she gave me a confused look and acted like it was the strangest request. I am worried that 60-70 guests will all go to fill-up their waters right when they arrive which could be overwhelming to the water station - though I don't know if this is actually what would happen.

Any suggestions or thoughts are much appreciated!!

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12 Comments

Latest activity by Debra, on December 12, 2024 at 1:28 PM

Master May 2021
Cristy · on February 15, 2019 at 7:25 PM
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If I'm looking at this like a guest, I wouldn't like seeing a full glass of water already at my table. I would immediately wonder "how long has it been there? has anyone else drank out of it? is it even cold?"
Those are just some of the questions that would plague me. I would most likely pour it out and start over. But that's just me.
Unless you are getting married in a super hot area, I don't think you have to worry about everyone clogging the water station at once.
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Champion October 2018
Kelly · on February 15, 2019 at 7:30 PM
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I would have them already filled. We didn’t because we had bottles of water on the table for people to fill their own but if we didn’t I would prefer to have one already filled.
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Devoted April 2019
💗💗 · on February 15, 2019 at 7:34 PM
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Another idea is to have a pitcher of water on each table . This can be small pitchers , you can do nice but inexpensive . Check dollar tree. Or use old wine bottle or any other cool looking bottle or vase . After this water runs out , guest can go refill.
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Dedicated October 2019
sandy · on February 15, 2019 at 7:35 PM
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I would Have them full but then I think about spilling.. I’m kind of confused about your water station will you be having a bar as well?.. You seem to be a lot like me and overthink the small things lol I don’t think everyone will be rushing to get water all at once and whatever you decide won’t make or break your day so take a deep breath and have your FH make the decision or your MOH hahaha!!
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Master January 2019
Cassidy · on February 15, 2019 at 8:01 PM
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We had them already filled i felt like it was a nice touch. It didn’t seem like my caterer was all for that as she asked more than once if i was sure.
I think if you don’t have them already filled, just having them by the water would be easier as people aren’t going up to the waterseeing they need a cup and having to walk back and forth.
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Devoted April 2019
Melissa O' · on February 15, 2019 at 8:10 PM
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Just have them by the water station. It will be less confusing, and the guest will know that the water is fresh. Besides after years in the restaurant business, I've learned that only about 1/2 of the guests actually drink water.

The pitcher on the table is a nice touch.

Ice, is also a consideration. Is your water station going to have it available? Will they be able to fill pitchers with ice?

Remember: K.I.S.S.
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Master July 2018
Mcskipper · on February 15, 2019 at 8:13 PM
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I think they should be filled.
ill also say, this will promote water drinking/hydration! I know a lot of people that would never bother going to fill up but would drink from a glass in front of them!

....annndd all THAT said....we ended up a little delayed going into our reception, so the pre-filled waters sat a little extra long (not LONG, I’m not talking warm water or anything), but, they sweat a little and left wet rings on the tablecloth. Which truly doesn’t matter AT ALL, except that I have one really nice picture of the tablescapes all set up, and all I see is water rings, haha.

Still I think water being prefilled is definitely best. To be honest, I’d be annoyed if I got to my seat and found an empty cup and instructions to go to the cooler
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Master July 2018
Mcskipper · on February 15, 2019 at 8:15 PM
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....no one ever asked me, it was just kind of a given that the servers would fill the water, I guess. Even though there was bottled water available at the bar (good note/idea for those in this thread concerned about the sitting out bit)
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Expert June 2019
Lori · on February 15, 2019 at 10:53 PM
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I think the water glasses should be filled.
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VIP May 2020
Destiny · on February 16, 2019 at 1:38 AM
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I think the idea of pitchers of icewater on the table is a good idea
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May 2021
Debra · on December 12, 2024 at 1:26 PM
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I hope you prefilled them. It's expected that your initial water glass is ready and waiting for your guests. Keep pitchers OFF the tables for an upscale look.
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May 2021
Debra · on December 12, 2024 at 1:28 PM
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Anyone trained in food service will tell you they should always be prefilled as a courtesy to your guests. A restaurant doesnot leave empty water glasses on a table, neither should any other meal service.
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