Craft brews are all the rage right now, and why should the wedding world be any different?

Small, local breweries keep popping up everywhere. North Carolina seems to be a hotbed; the Triangle area houses the most craft operations in the state, according to the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild, beating out the western region by just two. Beer festivals and the hopping nightlife around such places as Fullsteam in Durham and Sub Noir Brewery in Raleigh show just how popular these are around here!

And with the increasing trend to shop locally—yes, in the wedding business, too!—it’s no wonder we’re beginning to see these local beverages come on the scene. While some couples still go the full bar route, slipping in local brews rather than national favorites has become increasingly popular. And many people have dropped liquor altogether—especially with many vendors opting out of paying extra for the license—and serving just beer and wine.

Lucky for us, we have oh so many breweries right here in our backyard! In Hillsborough, Mystery Brewing Company has won several awards over the past two years for its different makes. Starpoint Brewing and Steel String Brewery have popped up in Carrboro, and Top of the Hill and Carolina Brewery continue to hold down the fort in Chapel Hill.  Durham and Raleigh boast four and nine companies, respectively, ranging in size and style and offering couples a whole spectrum of choices for their big day.

But craft products have snuck into the wedding scene as more than just a beverage.  Brides and grooms who love the brewery scene have begun weaving it into their big day as an overall theme.  Local growlers hold flowers as centerpieces.  Bottles with custom-made labels seem to be quite a popular favor for guests—who wouldn’t want a little something to continue the celebration later on, right?

If going to beer tastings and brewery tours with your fiance is a regular thing, don’t shy away! Embrace what you love to do together and incorporate it into your wedding day. Stumped for ideas? Let this Raleigh wedding planner give you a hand. We have so many resources in our area to tap into (pun intended!).