There are many styles of pitchers to choose from. Shiny metal is great for presentation purposes as well as functionality. It is perfect for serving guests, and generally makes for a finer presentation than plastic pitchers. Porcelain pitchers can also be a good alternative to plastic, although they can often be heavier and less ergonomic.
Bell pitchers have a nice full shape and are easy to handle. On the other hand, pitchers with a lid are also an excellent choice for water service in an upscale restaurant or formal catering event. The lid will keep dust and bugs out of the water, making it ideal for outdoor food service environments. Carafes and decanters are popular choices for leaving at the table for guests to serve themselves water. For juice service, consider a pitcher with an ice chamber at its core. This will keep the juice cold as it is waits to be poured into the glass.