After 23 years in the party and stationery business, we consider ourselves experts on entertaining and we always welcome any questions you may have. The most frequently asked question, however, we get asked is ALWAYS, what size cup do I order, or what size cup do I need for my wedding reception, party, or event?

Before considering size, the most important thing we can point out about ALL of our cups is this: CUP SIZE IS MEASURED TO FLUSH FILL CAPACITY. This means that a cup that is labeled as a 16 ounce cup holds 16 ounces of LIQUID ONLY WITH NO ICE when FILLED TO the VERY TIP OF THE BRIM as in almost overflowing. This DOES NOT mean that 16 ounces of liquid will fit in the cup along with ice! 

We previously posted a great video demonstration on our You Tube channel where you can actually see us pouring various beverages into our foam cups and now with Edition 2 we are demonstrating our shatterproof or frost flex cups. We will be demonstrating other cups in the future on our You Tube channel as well so be sure to subscribe:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyS9iTFnNmu57xYGEoAwKQA

For a very detailed description of what size cup to order, there is an "accordion" located at the bottom of every cup product page titled: SIZE MATTERS. Here you will find a full explanation of exaclty what size cup to order and we are going to repost it here. As always, PLEASE shoot us an email (info@cupofarms.com) or give us a call (844-901-CUPS M-F 9-5) if you would like to tell us about your party and get our advice before placing an order. We are entertaining experts and will gladly assist you in your selection! 

From our SIZE MATTERS ACCORDION:

What size cup should I order?

CUP SIZES CAN BE DECEIVING! If in doubt ALWAYS ORDER A SIZE UP! Surprisingly, drinkware is measured as filled to the brim FLUSH FILL CAPACITY. This means that the cup holds the stated number of ounces when it is filled to almost overflowing with LIQUID ONLY (NOT INCLUDING ICE). Stated ounces from the manufacturer are intended to show approximate volume and are not an implied guarantee of exact volume.

All measuring cups measure differently and are only accurate to a certain degree so measuring cups at home may measure differently than manufacturers measuring devices.

We recommend choosing CUP SIZE CAREFULLY and following these guidelines:

  • SOFT DRINKS WITH ICE: A 16 ounce cup is the best choice for serving soft drinks WITH ICE. Most canned soft drinks are 12 ounces. A 16 ounce cup will hold a partial 12 ounce can of soft drink with ice. Carbonation adds volume so a 16 ounce cup filled ¾ way with ice will hold approximately 6-8 ounces of a soft drink. A 20 or 24 ounce cup is a good choice if you wish to pour an entire canned beverage into a cup at one time.
  • BEER: Most canned and bottled beers are 12 ounces. When poured with NO ICE, a 16 ounce soft plastic (solo type) cup is a great choice for a bottle or can of beer with no ice. The college favorite for holding 2 beers is a 32 ounce stadium cup.
  • WINE: A full glass of wine is typically 5-6 ounces, however, a proper pour is actually half of that (of course, that may depend on the bartender). An 8 ounce cup is a good size when serving wine but smaller cups may also be used depending on the occasion.
  • MIXED DRINKS: A 14 ounce or 16 ounce cup is the best choice for mixed drinks with ice.
  • COFFEE or HOT DRINKS: A 14 or 16 ounce cup is a good choice for hot drinks. Both of these sizes are generous and allow some “slosh” room.
  • BEACH DRINK: We recommend a biggie such as a 20 or 24 or even a 32 ounce cup for beach beverages. No one wants to leave the surf and sand for refills! If in doubt, check out cup sizes at your grocery, local party store, or Sams or Costco before you order. You may also look on the bottom of your favorite cup and the size in ounces is usually stamped in some form there. If in doubt shoot us an email at info@cupofarms.com and we will give you our advice specific to your occasion.

CHEERS!

Angela