Your Guide to Choosing the Best Wine for Wedding Celebrations
Best Wine for Weddings: A Guide to Choosing & Saving
Choosing the best wine for a wedding can be as exciting as selecting the cake or the dress. This isn’t just any party; this is your wedding reception. You'll learn everything about picking the perfect wines for your big day without breaking the bank.
Finding the best wine for wedding festivities involves more than just grabbing your favorite bottle. It’s about balancing your budget with guest preferences and making sure there’s enough bubbly to go around.
Navigating Wine Choices for Your Wedding
When choosing wine for your wedding, consider factors you might not consider when stocking your home bar. Guest list size, whether you’ll offer other drinks besides wine, and your budget all play important roles in the decision process.
How Much Wine Do I Need for My Wedding Reception?
Figuring out how much wine to order for the big day can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, there are simple guidelines to follow, like this one from Wine Folly.
Consider your guest count and divide it by 2.15. This gives you a good estimate of your total wine bottle needs, accounting for everyone having a glass or two throughout the evening. For a 100-person wedding, you’d purchase about 46 bottles of wine.
Red, White, or Somewhere in Between?
The time of year can influence wine choices. For cooler months, offer more red wine options. Red wine sales skyrocket during fall and winter when people crave those rich
Rich wine refers to wines that deliver a... More, bold flavors.
On the other hand, summer weddings call for light and crisp
Crisp wines come from several key grape ... More selections like Sauvignon Blanc
Pronunciation: SO-vee-nyohn BLAHN (Frenc... More to keep guests refreshed. Think about your preferences, but offering a balanced selection will make everyone happy. A taste test with friends is a great way to narrow down some options, too.
The ratio of red to white wine is another factor. While red wine is popular at weddings during fall, winter, and spring, a summer wedding with light appetizers might call for more white wine. A good rule of thumb for these warmer, outdoor events is a wide range of wines in a 30/30/30 split
Wine splits are small-format wine bottle... More: red, white, and rosé.
Sparkling Wine Choices
Sparkling wine isn’t just for toasts. While essential for this wedding tradition, it is a great idea to serve sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava throughout the evening as it adds a celebratory feel to people drinking as they celebrate the big day. Dry sparkling wines pair well with food.
Don’t feel pressured to buy French Champagne
The Champagne region is approximately 15... More just for the “special” occasion. “For Champagne drinkers, … think outside of the box with your Champagne pairing,” says Robin McBride, co-founder of McBride Sisters Wine Company.
When choosing bubbly for your wedding toast, consider how much you’ll need. You can get about four glasses from a standard bottle of wine, but not from Champagne. Expect around six servings per bottle when accounting for celebratory toasts.
To figure out the amount needed for your wedding reception toast, take the number of guests over the age
In wine terms, “age” refers to how long ... More of 21 and divide by 6. It never hurts to round up; you don’t want anyone without a glass for the Champagne toast to the happy couple.
The Great Wedding Wine Budget
Weddings are expensive. Decide on a realistic budget before you buy wedding wine to prevent stress, and choose good wines that are within your price range. People will remember if the drinks are bad, but a good bottle doesn’t have to break the bank. Delicious, easy-drinking wedding wines come at all price points and can create some great wine pairings with the wedding feast.
Uncorking Wedding Wine Savings
One of the most common questions about wedding wine is how to save money while still having delicious drinks. Laithwaites offers savings when you buy wine by the case.
Most wine shops and retailers offer similar deals; buying multiple bottles unlocks discounts. Talk to wine retailers in your area to see what they offer. You might even discover a great bottle of South African wine you'd never considered before.
Selecting Your Wedding Wine Lineup
Now that you know how much to buy, focus on the daunting task of choosing wine to feature during your celebration. With endless choices and options for every budget, knowing where to start (without overspending) can be tricky.
Tasting for the Perfect Pairing
Just like selecting your wedding cake, tasting is key. You need to love the wine you'll be drinking on your big day. While attending tastings with your partner might sound overwhelming, online options exist for busy couples.
Companies like Waitrose let couples build custom cases and enjoy them at home, checking another item off the to-do list. This is a great opportunity to test out different wine pairings, too. If you're serving pasta dishes, for example, you'll want to make sure your wine selections complement the food.
Think Outside the Traditional Wine Box
Weddings don’t have to be all about Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most re... More or Cabernet Sauvignon
Rosé wines have also become very popular. This is a great choice for a bridal shower or even as one of your wine options for the reception. A sparkling rosé is a fun alternative to traditional bubbly.
FAQs About the Best Wine for Wedding Receptions
What Wine is Most Popular at Weddings?
Classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a white wine made from gre... More, and Pinot Noir are popular choices. Their wide appeal makes them safe bets, but you don’t have to stick to these. Don’t be afraid to showcase something new, like a sparkling rosé instead of traditional bubbly.
A dry white wine, such as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, is another crowd favorite, especially in the summer months. If you're looking for red wine, a lighter red like Pinot Noir is a good choice. For bolder flavors, opt for a California wine or a red blend from South Africa.
How Much Wine Do You Need for 100 Guests?
Plan for about 46 bottles if you’re only serving wine. The number drops if you offer other beverages like signature cocktails or beer, and if some guests don't drink. Having a wide variety of drinks ensures there's something for everyone.
How Do I Choose Wine for a Wedding?
Knowing your audience is vital to picking the best wedding wines. While you should enjoy the selections, if your friends love crisp Sauvignon Blanc, include it. Budget matters, which is where buying in bulk or choosing more affordable wines over big names comes in.
| Wine Type | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Fall, Winter, Spring | Pairs well with red meat and bold flavors |
| Pinot Noir | Fall, Winter, Spring | Lighter red, good with chicken and pork |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Spring, Summer | Crisp and refreshing, and pairs well with seafood and salads |
| Chardonnay | Year-round | Versatile, pairs well with a variety of foods |
| Rosé | Spring, Summer | Light and fruity, great for outdoor weddings |
| Sparkling Wine | Year-round | Perfect for toasts and celebrations |
What Wine is Best for a Large Gathering?
Sparkling rosé is a popular choice. You don't have to limit yourself to classic reds and whites. Aim for lighter-bodied wines, especially in summer, when a heavy red might be unappealing. Consider your food; bold flavors will overpower some wines. This applies to wedding toast selections, too.
“Most people want to drink what they like, which explains why rosé has gone from a springtime sipper to a year-round superstar,” says Anthony Giglio, wine expert and wine director at The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network.
Conclusion
Planning your wedding wine might seem overwhelming, but you deserve a celebration where you’re toasting your happiness, not an empty glass. By embracing variety, considering your guest count and budget, and doing tastings, you’ll find the perfect wines for your wedding.
