The cover image of wedding wine article.

How to Choose Wedding Wine: A Simple Guide to Serving Right

Your wedding day is a joyous celebration of love, and let’s not forget the delicious food and drink! Among the many delightful details you’ll plan, selecting the perfect wedding wine can elevate your event, wow your guests, and showcase your unique taste. But how do you find those wonderful wines that please everyone, complement your menu, and keep your budget in check?

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about wedding wine. From determining how much wine to serve at your wedding to picking out incredible varietals that fit your budget, we’ve got you covered!

How Much Wine for a Wedding?

Before you choose wine styles or grape varieties, the first and most important step is to figure out just how much wine you’ll need. This helps you set a sensible budget and ensures you won’t run out or end up with too much left over.

Here’s a quick and easy way to calculate:

For dinner wine: Plan for about ¾ of a bottle per guest, which means each guest will enjoy roughly 3 glasses of wine during the meal.
Sparkling wine for toasts: Each standard bottle contains 6 flutes of bubbly. So, divide your guests by 6 to determine how many bottles you'll need for a single toast.

For example, if you have 100 guests, you’ll need 75 bottles of wine for the meal and around 17 bottles of sparkling wine for a toast.

If your reception will last several hours or you plan to serve wine throughout the evening, consider rounding up a bit or planning for extra bottles. Remember, unopened wine can easily be stored or returned (if your supplier allows), so it’s always a good idea to have a little extra on hand!

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Wedding Wine

Choosing the wine for your wedding should be a fun activity, rather than a daunting task! Just follow this easy, step-by-step guide to find the ideal selection for your special day:

Step 1: Know Your Guest Count

When planning for your guests, knowing how much wine to have on hand is helpful. A good guideline to follow is:

About ¾ of a bottle of table wine for each person
For toasts, aim for 1 to 2 glasses of sparkling wine per guest (and remember, 1 bottle gives you 6 glasses!)

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget

Take a moment to figure out how much of your wedding budget you can set aside for wine. Unless you have your heart set on it, we think it’s best not to splurge too much on premium labels. Our top tip is to aim for those value-packed, crowd-pleasing wines everyone will enjoy.

Step 3: Choose a Balanced Wine Mix

Once you've figured out how many bottles you need, it's time to share that total between white and red wine. The perfect ratio often depends on the season and the types of food you’ll be serving.

Here’s a handy seasonal breakdown:

Summer Wedding?

Consider going for 40% white, 30% red and 30% rosé. Warmer weather tends to inspire a preference for lighter, more refreshing wines, and guests often gravitate toward chilled whites and rosé when the temperatures rise. Summer menus frequently feature seafood, grilled vegetables, or chicken dishes that pair beautifully with crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Albariño.

Winter Wedding?

Aim for 60% red and 40% white. During the cooler months, guests naturally lean toward richer, fuller-bodied reds that feel cosy and pair wonderfully with hearty dishes like roast meats, stews, or pasta. Wines like Merlot or Pinot Noir bring warmth and depth for winter dining.

If you're ever in doubt, think about your menu first, then tweak the ratio based on your wedding season to ensure your guests have options they'll truly enjoy!

Step 4: Taste Before You Commit

Why not order a delightful mixed tasting case of your favourite wines? You could even enjoy a fun blind tasting with your partner or bridal party for genuine feedback!

Step 5: Match Wine to Your Meal & Venue

The little details truly make a wonderful difference in how your wine is enjoyed! Here are some friendly tips to consider:

Type of Cuisine: Rich dishes can easily overpower lighter wines, so it’s best to pick wines that won’t get lost amidst the delicious flavours on the plate.
Serving Style: For buffets, consider selecting flexible, crowd-pleasing wines. For plated dinners you can choose more personalised pairings that make the food shine.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Venue: Outdoor gatherings call for lighter, refreshing wines that can stand up to the day's warmth, ensuring everyone stays cool and comfortable.
Time of Day: Lighter wines are fantastic for daytime weddings, while evening celebrations can embrace bolder, more structured options that add a special touch to the moment.
Formality of the Event: In formal settings, classic wines are always a stylish choice. Meanwhile, casual weddings allow for fun, playful, and unconventional selections that can make the event feel unique!
Guest Preferences: Always keep your guests in mind! Familiar, easy-drinking wines often turn out to be the best choice.

Step 6: Ask About Corkage and Extras

If your venue charges corkage, it’s a good idea to factor that into your budget. Don’t forget to ask if they provide glassware or if you need to rent it; some suppliers even offer free glass hire!

Step 7: Add a Personal Touch

Consider including a wine from a region you love, or why not label your bottles with your names and wedding date? This is your story, so let’s make it truly yours. Personalised wines also make lovely keepsakes and thank you gifts for the people who have helped make the day so special.

Which wines to serve at a wedding?

With so many options available, selecting the perfect wine for your wedding can feel daunting. The secret is to harmonise your guests' tastes, food pairings, and the vibe of your celebration. Here’s a helpful guide on how to pick wines that are not only delightful but also fitting for your special day.

How to Choose Red Wines for a Wedding

Red wines are often a beloved choice at weddings, but it’s important to remember that not all reds offer the same experience. To ensure everyone enjoys:

Opt for medium-bodied reds that are smooth, fruity, and gentle on the tannins.
It’s a good idea to steer clear of high-alcohol or overly complex reds, as they can overpower food or may not sit well with those new to wine.
Reds that offer versatility beautifully complement red meats, mushrooms, or even hearty vegetarian dishes.
Aim for reds around or below 13.5% ABV to keep the vibe friendly and inviting!

How to Choose White Wines for a Wedding

White wines bring a delightful crispness and freshness that pairs wonderfully with many wedding menus, particularly during those sunny, warmer months!

When selecting, consider lively, aromatic and gently balanced whites without being too acidic.
Popular choices are often fruit-forward and dry, steering clear of oaky or buttery flavours, making them a hit with guests.
They harmonise beautifully with lighter dishes like seafood, chicken, and vibrant fresh salads.
Plus, whites are a fantastic option for daytime weddings or outdoor receptions, where your guests might be looking for something refreshing to enjoy!

Should You Serve Sparkling Wine?

Absolutely, especially when it comes to the toast or arrival drinks, sparkling wine brings a joyful vibe and pairs beautifully with any occasion. Here are a few friendly tips for choosing:

Think about your budget: While Champagne is a classic choice, it can be expensive. Prosecco, Cava, or Crémant all make fantastic alternatives that are crafted in similar styles and are often more wallet-friendly. It's worth noting that there are some incredible English sparkling wines available.
Sparkling wine is a wonderful option as a light aperitif before the meal starts!

Is Rosé a Good Idea for Weddings?

Rosé is often overlooked, but it’s a secret weapon for wedding wine:

It’s visually appealing, versatile with food, and refreshing.
It bridges the gap between red and white, making it ideal for diverse palates.
Especially great for spring or summer weddings or any menu with spice, grilled veggies, or mixed proteins.

Other Considerations: Organic, Vegan & Beyond

Today’s guests often bring their unique dietary preferences and ethical values to the table:

Choosing organic wines shows a thoughtful and eco-friendly approach and it usually reflects a dedication to higher craftsmanship.
Many couples also love to select vegan wines, especially when hosting diverse guest lists. If you’re unsure how to choose vegan wines, check out our article, “Is Wine Vegan?” for some helpful guidance!
Additionally, wines crafted with no added sulphites can be gentler on everyone and are becoming more widely available.

Why Canned Wine Is a Brilliant Choice for Weddings

If you're searching for a wine solution that brings together style, convenience, and sustainability, you can't go wrong with canned wine! Here’s why it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for modern weddings:

Perfect Portions, Zero Waste: Say goodbye to half-finished bottles! Canned wine brings the joy of single-serve convenience, allowing guests to savour wine at their own pace. It's perfect for outdoor gatherings, buffet-style meals, or intimate micro weddings.
No Glass, No Stress: If you're considering hosting your wedding at a venue with corkage fees or limited bar service, choosing cans can make a difference! They eliminate the hassle of glass bottles and simplify both setup and cleanup, while saving you some money, too!
Chill & Serve Anytime Anywhere: Whether your celebration is at the beach, in a lovely garden, or on a breathtaking mountaintop, canned wines are super convenient. They’re easy to transport, quick to chill, and perfect for enjoying wherever you are!
Stylish & Sustainable: Today’s canned wines are not just practical; they also boast beautiful designs and are crafted from high-quality wine. Plus, they’re kind to the planet, featuring lower carbon footprints and recyclable packaging.

🍷 Want to explore premium canned wines perfect for weddings? Check out our handpicked wedding collection here – crafted for style, taste, and convenience.

More tips for buying wedding wine

Coordinate with Your Caterer Early: Many caterers have their own preferences or guidelines regarding alcohol service. It’s a great idea to double-check whether there’s an extra charge for handling canned wine or if they need a bit of advance notice for any non-traditional formats you might want to bring.
Think about Storage & Cooling Logistics: When it comes to outdoor or warm-weather weddings, it’s a great idea to plan ahead for keeping your wines perfectly chilled!
Include a Wine Menu or Tasting Note Card: Add a touch of class to proceedings by printing mini tasting cards or signage explaining the wine selections, regions, or stories behind your choices. It’s a great conversation starter!
Always Have a Few Non-Alcoholic Options: Sparkling water, non-alcoholic wine or mocktails ensure all guests feel included.
Order in Advance and Always Overestimate Slightly: Supplier delays, broken cases or unexpected guests happen. Ordering early gives you room to adjust, and unopened cans are easy to store or save for post-wedding celebrations.

Conclusion

Selecting the ideal wedding wines is one of the best parts of wedding planning! With some thought, getting to know your guest list and choosing wines that complement your menu and environment, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a memorable celebration. Whether you lean towards beloved classics or consider the charm of canned wine, the perfect match is waiting to raise a glass to your special day.

FAQ

1. How many bottles of wine do I need for a wedding?

A good rule of thumb is ¾ of a bottle of wine per guest for the meal, plus 1–2 glasses of sparkling wine for a toast.

2. What’s the best type of wine to serve at a wedding?

Choose approachable red and white wines that pair well with your menu and suit a variety of palates. Think medium-bodied reds and crisp, dry whites.

Back to blog