If you love mason jars – particularly as mason jars with handles for drinking glasses – you won’t want to miss this post. As sweet as these little jars can be, there are a few mason jar mistakes you’ll want to avoid at your wedding.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of seven mason jar mistakes to avoid as you plan your perfect day along with where to buy mason jars in bulk for your wedding. Enjoy!

Mistake #1: Not ordering in bulk.

If you’re not ordering in bulk, you’re throwing money out the window!

Mason jars are one of the easiest things to order in bulk, thanks to places that ship online straight to your door. My favorite place to buy ’em is from Amazon, which offers several sizes straight to your doorstep. You can also buy them from the dollar store in-store or online. They have great pricing, just a buck apiece! :)

You don’t even need to leave your home. What could be easier? Oh – and, since we’re asked by brides-to-be quite often, you can find mason jars with handles here and here. Both are great inexpensive options.

Mistake #2: No decorative touch.

A mason jar looks so much prettier with a decorative touch! You can turn a mason jar centerpiece (with flowers) into a nighttime lantern by removing the flowers and adding a candle. (You can even buy them pre-done from here.)

Or, if you want to use the jars as an escort card + drinking glass in one: just add a tag with a name and table assignment. You can hand-write the names and table numbers on these tags and tie them with twine (it comes with the tags). Place the mason jars on a table — with the tags in alphabetical order — near your entryway at the reception.

You can find out more about this project idea here.

Mistake #3: Ordering the wrong size jar.

If you’re offering mason jars as drinking glasses, one HUGE mistake is to order the wrong size. Too small, and guests will have to refill constantly. Too big and, well, guests will be pretty toasted. Find the happy middle with pint sized mason jars. As a guide, use quart size for vases, pint for drinks, and jelly jars (4 oz.) for favors.

Mistake #4: Forgetting a sign.

Most guests aren’t obsessively reading wedding blogs for months leading up to the big day, so the whole mason jar craze might not phase them. Make it obvious that the mason jars are used as drinking glasses by adding a simple sign, inviting guests to take one, fill with a drink, and enjoy. And, most of all, take home. Otherwise, you’ll have 100+ mason jars left over at the end of the night. If you are offering homemade jam or honey in jars as favors, you’ll also want to add a sign telling guests to ‘take one home’.

You can also use these adorable tags for guests to write their names on their mason jar favors! Great idea by TiaZoeyTeaStained.

Mistake #5: Too far from the bar.

Akin to #3, placing your mason jars near the bar is another way to encourage guests to use them as such. The best way to do so is to use glass drink dispensers (stacking dispensers will save you room!) labeled with a beverage and placed alongside your lovely mason jars.

Mistake #6: No straws for apprehensive sippers.

Let’s be honest. Most people don’t like drinking out of an awkward mason jar with its awkward glass ridges. Go one step further to delight your guests AND add a decorative touch with straws. Striped straws or polka dotted straws are just a few ways to up the fun factor. You can also turn yours into a tumbler with a lid and a reusable straw. Stainless steel straws are always a good option, too.

Mistake #7: Forgetting additional glassware.

Your great uncle or grandfather might prefer scotch on the rocks, sans mason jar. Be sure to have some additional glassware at your bar just in case. ;)

*TIP: Have special Mr. and Mrs. mason jar glasses for the two of you! These are by Memorable Creations MC.

Note: If using as centerpieces, use the 32 oz. quart-sized jars.

Are you using mason jars at your wedding? Tell us about it below!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

Read also: Mason Jar Wedding Ideas: DOs and DONTs.

Updated 2020 from an earlier post with updated information.