How Many Bottles of Wine for a Wedding? If I counted the number of time we’ve been asked this question! Planning a wedding is an art where every detail counts to make the day unforgettable. Among the many questions to resolve, wine is essential. You need enough bottles for your guests to toast to your happiness, but not too many to avoid waste. So, how many bottles of wine for a wedding should you plan for? Here are some tips to help you estimate the ideal amount.
The Basic Rule: How Many Bottles of Wine for a Wedding?
In general, it’s recommended to plan for one bottle of wine for every three people, with one glass per hour per guest. However, this calculation depends on several factors, such as the length of your reception, the type of meal served, and of course, your guests’ preferences. For a traditional wedding of about six hours, this rule works well. If you know your guests particularly enjoy wine, you may want to plan for one bottle per two people. So, how many to be safe? It’s always better to have a little extra.
Wine for the Reception
The reception, or cocktail before the meal, is often a time to serve champagne, sparkling wine, or crémant. It’s advisable to plan one bottle for every five guests, as not everyone will drink at this time. You can also complement with a light white wine or rosé, which are very popular during this part of the day. Don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic options too, so there’s something for everyone.
White, Red, and Rosé Wine for the Meal
How many bottles of wine for a wedding to serve during the meal? The choice of wine largely depends on the menu. Traditionally, white wine is served with fish or poultry, while red wine pairs well with red meats or hearty dishes. Rosé is a great option for summer dishes or Mediterranean meals.
In terms of quantity, plan one bottle of rosé for every three people, one bottle of white wine for every three to four people, and one bottle of red wine for every two to three people. This way, you’ll cater to all tastes and ensure a good balance.
How Many bottles of wine for a wedding for Dessert?
If you plan to serve wine with dessert, a sweet wine or champagne is ideal. Here, one bottle for every six people is usually enough, as guests tend to drink less wine at this stage of the meal. A brut or demi-sec champagne pairs perfectly with light desserts or the traditional wedding cake.
It’s always better to have a bit more wine than needed to avoid any surprises. If your supplier allows you to return unopened bottles, that’s even better. Also, think about serving temperatures: white wines and rosé should be well chilled (between 8 and 10°C), while red wines are best enjoyed at around 16 to 18°C.
Estimating the number of bottles required takes some thought, but with these tips, you can easily calculate the right amount. By considering the number of guests, the menu, and the length of the reception, you can ensure everyone has plenty to toast to your happiness. A successful day, filled with sharing and celebration.
