Wedding Wine Guide: How Much to Buy & What to Serve

Your wedding day deserves wine as memorable as the celebration itself. The ideal wedding wine should be plentiful enough for every toast, complement your menu perfectly, and stay within your budget. In this guide, you'll discover exactly how much wine to serve at a wedding, which styles are best, and simple tips to ensure your guests enjoy every sip.

Wedding wine: quick answers

• How much wine should you buy for a wedding? A safe estimate is one glass of sparkling wine per guest for the welcome drink (and another if you're planning a toast), plus around ¾ of a bottle per person to cover the meal.
• Do you need Champagne? Not necessarily. While Champagne is classic, Prosecco, Cava, or Crémant offer the same celebratory sparkle at a more approachable price, since they're made in similar traditional styles.
• What about your budget? Focus on buying good-quality, crowd-pleasing wines in larger quantities rather than splurging on a handful of expensive bottles. Guests will appreciate something tasty and easy to drink more than a fancy label.
• How to pair wine with food at weddings? Keep it simple, choose wines that are versatile and people-friendly. Look for bottles that taste great both with food during the meal and on their own once the dancing starts.
• Wedding-friendly red wines: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Garnacha/Tempranillo, Valpolicella, or Beaujolais.
• Wedding-friendly white wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, or a crisp Chablis.
• Don't forget rosé: A chilled Provence rosé or Garnacha rosado adds colour, looks great in photos, and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes.

How Much Wine Do You Need for a Wedding?

One of the most common wedding wine questions is: how many bottles do we actually need? The rule of thumb is simple:

• Dinner wine: Plan ¾ bottle per guest (around 3 glasses each).
• Sparkling wine for toasts: 1 bottle = 6 glasses, so divide guest count by 6.

Here's a quick guide:

How many bottles of wine for 50, 100, 150 guests
Guest Count	Dinner Wine (¾ bottle pp)	Sparkling Wine (toast)
50 guests	~38 bottles	~9 bottles
100 guests	~75 bottles	~17 bottles
150 guests	~113 bottles	~25 bottles

👉 Pro Tip: If your reception lasts several hours or you're serving wine throughout the evening, round up by 5-10%. Any unopened bottles can usually be stored for later or even returned to your supplier.

How to Choose Wedding Wine (Step-by-Step Guide)

Choosing the right wines for your wedding doesn't have to be stressful. With a few simple steps, you can craft a wine list that suits your guest list, complements your menu, and keeps everyone delighted. Here's a friendly step-by-step guide to make the process easy:

Step 1: Know Your Guest Count

The first step is straightforward maths: how many people will be drinking? A safe estimate is about three-quarters of a bottle of wine per guest for the meal. For sparkling wine, plan on 1-2 glasses per person for the toast (remember, one bottle equals 6 glasses). If in doubt, round up. You can always save unopened bottles.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget

Wine matters, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Avoid the pricey labels and opt for good-quality, crowd-pleasing bottles in the £8-15 range. Prioritise quantity over prestige, you'll get better value, and everyone will still enjoy the experience.

Step 3: Choose a Balanced Wine Mix

Once you know the total bottles you need, split them between red and white (and maybe some rosé). A good rule of thumb is:

• Summer weddings: 60% white, 40% red (lighter, refreshing wines suit the season).
• Winter weddings: 60% red, 40% white (heartier reds pair well with rich dishes).
• Adding a small percentage of rosé gives you extra flexibility.

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

Step 4: Taste Before You Commit

Don't order blindly. Try before you buy. Ask your supplier for a mixed case or organise a casual tasting at home with your partner. It's enjoyable, and you'll feel more confident knowing your choices are guest-approved.

Step 5: Match Wine to Your Meal & Venue

Wine works best when it fits the vibe of your menu and setting:

• Cuisine: Pick wines that won't clash, lighter wines for seafood and salads, bolder reds for roast meats or pasta.
• Venue: Outdoor summer? Go for crisp whites and light reds. Formal ballroom? Classic French or Italian wines always shine.
• Time of Day: Lighter wines for daytime, fuller-bodied wines for the evening.

💡 Want to feel confident that your wines will shine alongside every dish on your wedding menu?
Check out our guide Wine Pairing 101: Simple Rules for Matching Wine and Food Perfectly

Step 6: Ask About Corkage and Extras

If your venue permits you to bring your own wine, check the corkage fee (sometimes charged per bottle). Also, ask about glassware; some venues rent glasses or include them in packages. These details can help you save money and reduce stress.

Step 7: Add a Personal Touch

Your wedding wine should reflect your unique personality. Perhaps it's a favourite bottle you both cherish, or something from a region that holds special meaning. You can even personalise the labels with your names and wedding date for a thoughtful touch your guests will remember.

Which wines to serve at a wedding?

The best wedding wines are those that are crowd-pleasing, versatile with food, and fit within your budget. A good mix usually includes medium-bodied reds, crisp whites, sparkling wines for toasts, and a versatile rosé. You might also want to consider organic or vegan options to make your wine choice more inclusive.

Best Wedding Wine Options at a Glance
Wine Type	Why It Works for Weddings	Best Picks	Food Pairings
Red Wines	Smooth, fruity, and not too heavy	Merlot, Pinot Noir, Garnacha	Beef, mushrooms, roast meats
White Wines	Crisp, refreshing, and food-friendly	Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Soave	Seafood, chicken, salads
Sparkling Wines	Perfect for toasts and arrival drinks	Prosecco, Cava, Champagne	Aperitifs, appetisers
Rosé Wines	Refreshing, versatile, and photogenic	Provence Rosé, Garnacha Rosado	Tapas, grilled veggies, mixed dishes
Organic & Vegan Wines	Eco-friendly and inclusive	Certified organic or vegan wines	Pairs with diverse preferences

Red Wines for Weddings

Choose medium-bodied reds that are smooth, fruity, and gentle on tannins. Good options include Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Garnacha. Steer clear of high-alcohol or overly complex reds that could overpower food or put off guests new to wine.

White Wines for Weddings

Crisp, lively whites are always a safe choice, especially for summer weddings. Opt for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Soave, which pair wonderfully with seafood, chicken, and light salads. Avoid overly oaky or buttery whites that can divide opinions.

Sparkling Wines for Weddings

Sparkling wine is almost a must for toasts and arrival drinks. While Champagne remains the traditional choice, Prosecco, Cava, or Crémant offer equally delightful bubbles at a more affordable price.

Rosé Wines for Weddings

Rosé adds colour, charm, and versatility to the table. Styles like Provence Rosé or Garnacha Rosado are refreshing and pair well with tapas, grilled vegetables, and mixed dishes. Perfect for spring or summer weddings.

Wedding Wine Tips You Might Not Have Considered

Beyond selecting the right bottles, careful planning makes all the difference. Here are some often-overlooked but essential wedding wine tips:

• Coordinate with Your Caterer: Check in advance if your caterer charges corkage fees, has storage rules, or restrictions on serving canned wine. Knowing this early helps avoid last-minute surprises.
• Plan Wine Storage & Cooling: For outdoor or summer weddings, make sure you have enough ice buckets, coolers, or fridge space to keep wines at the proper temperature.
• Add a Wine Menu or Tasting Card: Simple signage displaying tasting notes or wine regions adds a thoughtful touch and helps guests engage more with your selections.
• Offer Non-Alcoholic Options: Sparkling water, mocktails, or alcohol-free wines ensure all guests feel included in the celebration.
• Order Early & Slightly Extra: Always buy more than your headcount requires. Supplier delays, breakages, or extra guests happen, and unopened bottles can be saved for post-wedding celebrations.

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.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect wedding wine can be a fun and enjoyable part of planning your big day. By taking a little time to understand your guest list and choose wines that pair well with your menu and setting, you'll be well on your way to hosting a memorable celebration. Whether you're into classic favourites or curious about canned wine, there's a perfect match out there ready to raise a glass to your special day with style.

FAQ

1. How much wine per person for a wedding?
Use ¾ bottle per guest for table wine. For a single toast, divide guests by 6 to get sparkling bottles. Add 5-10% buffer for longer receptions.

2. What's the best red/white/rosé ratio for a wedding?
Default 50% red / 45% white / 5% rosé. Shift to 60% white in summer and 60% red in winter. Adjust to your menu.

3. Which wines are safest for a mixed crowd?
Reds: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Garnacha • Whites: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Soave/Albariño • Rosé: Provence-style • Bubbles: Prosecco/Cava/Crémant.

4. Do I need Champagne for the toast?
No. Prosecco, Cava, or Crémant deliver festive bubbles at friendlier prices.