How Much Wine To Buy For A Wedding

Congratulations on your engagement! Now comes the exciting task of planning your big day - and one very important question looms: how much wine should you buy for a wedding? Not to worry, because here at Black Wine Club, we've got your back. In this article, we'll break down the factors to consider when purchasing wine for your nuptials, ensuring there's enough liquid gold to keep the party going.

Know Your Guest List

First things first, it's essential to know the number of people attending your wedding. Having an approximate headcount will give you a better idea of how much wine you'll need. Keep in mind that not everyone is a wine drinker, so you may want to consider other drinks for guests who don't indulge in it.

Consider Drink Preferences

Conversations with your friends and family will come in handy to help you gauge what the majority of people in your circle prefer. Based on those conversations, you can make an educated guess about the percentage of wine drinkers attending your wedding and adjust accordingly.

Choose the Right Wine Types

The rule of thumb is to have a variety of wines available, including red, white, and sparkling options. This will ensure that your guests can find something they like.

Red Wine

Red wines are generally favored in colder months, evening receptions, and with hearty meals. If you're hosting a fall or winter wedding, consider allocating a larger portion of your budget for red wine options. Some popular red wine varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

White Wine

White wines are more popular in warm weather, daytime events, and with lighter fare. If you're planning a summer or spring wedding, you may want to stock up on white wine options like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.

Sparkling Wine

No celebration would be complete without a bit of bubbly. It's important to have sparkling wine on hand for the toast and as a festive option throughout the event. Popular choices include champagne and prosecco.

Calculate the Quantity of Wine

The general recommendation is to plan for each guest to consume half a bottle of wine during the event. This accounts for an average of two glasses per person.

However, you need to consider the following factors to adjust this number:

- Length of your event: The longer your event, the more wine guests will consume. Add a glass or two per person for each additional hour.

- Time of day: Daytime weddings typically result in lower alcohol consumption compared to evening receptions.

- Wine enthusiasts: If your guest list is predominantly made up of wine lovers, consider bumping up the quantity.

A Realistic Breakdown

To help you visualize the proportions of each type of wine you should purchase, consider the following breakdown:

- 50% red wine

- 30% white wine

- 20% sparkling wine

Adjust the proportions based on your knowledge of your guests' preferences and the factors listed above.

How Much Wine To Buy For A Wedding Example:

Let's say your wedding has 100 guests, and you've determined that around 75% of them are wine drinkers. This means you'd need wine for 75 people. With the half bottle per person rule, you'd need 37.5 bottles of wine (round up to 38 for convenience).

Following the suggested breakdown:

- 19 bottles of red wine (50%)

- 11 bottles of white wine (30%)

- 8 bottles of sparkling wine (20%)

Adjust these numbers according to your specific event details and guest preferences.

Now that you have a better understanding of how much wine to buy for your wedding, you're one step closer to a flawless celebration. Remember that these guidelines are just that - guidelines. It's essential to take your unique event and guest list into consideration. May your wedding be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of delicious wine to be enjoyed by all. Be sure to share this article with other soon-to-be newlyweds in need of some guidance, and keep exploring Black Wine Club for more tips, tricks, and tastings. Cheers!