How to Choose Wines for a Wedding

Weddings are a celebration of love, and wine is the toast that brings people together. Whether you’re planning an intimate backyard gathering or a grand ballroom affair, choosing the right wine can add elegance, personality, and joy to your big day. But with so many styles, price points, and pairings to consider, selecting wines for a wedding can feel overwhelming.

This guide walks you through the essential steps for choosing wines that fit your menu, match your budget, and keep your guests smiling—without making things overly complicated.

Step 1: Know Your Guest Count and Wine Needs

The first step in choosing wine for a wedding is understanding how much you’ll need. A general rule of thumb is:

• One bottle of wine per two guests for a typical 4–5 hour reception.

• This accounts for about 2–3 glasses per person (standard 750ml bottles yield five glasses).

If wine is your primary alcoholic beverage, you may want to scale up. Also, factor in whether you’ll be serving other drinks like cocktails, beer, or champagne for toasts.

Example Calculation:

• 100 guests / 2 = 50 bottles of wine

• If serving both red and white, consider a 50/50 or 60/40 split based on the season or menu.

Step 2: Consider Your Venue and Service Options

Check with your venue about what’s allowed:

• In-House Catering: Some venues require you to choose from their wine list, which may limit your options and affect pricing.

• BYO Options: If allowed to bring your own wine, you’ll have more freedom—but be mindful of corkage fees, which can range from $10–$30 per bottle.

• All-Inclusive Packages: These typically include house wines. You can often upgrade the wine selections for an additional fee.

Also, think about whether the wine will be self-serve, passed by servers, or stationed at a bar, as this affects how much will be consumed.

Step 3: Match Wine to Your Menu

A well-chosen wine enhances the meal and complements the flavors of your dishes. Here are some food and wine pairing basics to guide you:

Red Wine Options

• Pinot Noir – Light and fruity; great with chicken, pork, or mushroom-based dishes.

• Cabernet Sauvignon – Bold and structured; ideal with red meat or grilled entrees.

• Merlot – Smooth and approachable; good with beef, lamb, or pasta with red sauce.

White Wine Options

• Sauvignon Blanc – Zesty and citrusy; perfect for salads, seafood, and goat cheese.

• Chardonnay – Rich and creamy; pairs with chicken, shellfish, and creamy sauces.

• Pinot Grigio – Crisp and refreshing; complements lighter fare like veggies and shrimp.

Rosé and Sparkling Wines

• Rosé – Versatile and food-friendly; works with charcuterie, poultry, or salmon.

• Prosecco or Champagne – Ideal for toasts or hors d’oeuvres.

Try to offer at least one red and one white wine, with an optional rosé or bubbly to round things out.

Step 4: Keep the Season in Mind

Seasonal weather influences guests’ wine preferences:

• Spring/Summer: Guests lean toward chilled, lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, and sparkling wine.

• Fall/Winter: Fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah become more appealing, along with oaked Chardonnay.

Also, outdoor weddings call for wines that hold up well in warm temperatures—consider screw caps for convenience and wines that don’t require extensive chilling or decanting.

Step 5: Decide on Budget-Friendly Options

Weddings are expensive, and wine costs can add up fast. But you don’t need top-shelf bottles to please a crowd. Many excellent wines are available for $10–$20 per bottle, especially when purchased in bulk.

Budget Tips:

• Buy by the case: Many wine retailers offer a 10–20% discount on case purchases (12 bottles).

• Explore lesser-known regions: Wines from Chile, Portugal, and South Africa often offer great value.

• Opt for house wines from your caterer: These are often included at no extra cost, and many are well-selected.

Stick with crowd-pleasers—avoid polarizing or ultra-rare selections unless your guests are wine enthusiasts.

Step 6: Offer a Toast-Worthy Bubbly

A sparkling wine toast is a timeless wedding tradition. While Champagne is the classic choice, it’s not your only option.

Great Sparkling Wine Alternatives:

• Prosecco (Italy) – Light, fruity, and affordable.

• Cava (Spain) – Dry, complex, and excellent value.

• American Sparkling Wines – Widely available from California wineries like Chandon or Roederer Estate.

You don’t need a full glass per person for toasts—1 bottle serves 6–8 toast portions, so adjust quantities accordingly.

Step 7: Taste Before You Buy

Always sample your wedding wines before committing. Arrange a tasting with your caterer, sommelier, or wine shop. If ordering independently, buy a few bottles and host a tasting night with your partner or wedding party.

What to Evaluate:

• Taste – Does it suit your and your guests’ palates?

• Pairing – Does it go well with your menu?

• Presentation – Do you like the label? (Yes, aesthetics matter for some couples.)

Step 8: Plan the Presentation

How you serve wine adds to the experience. Coordinate with your event planner or caterer on the following:

• Glassware: Ensure enough red, white, and sparkling wine glasses.

• Serving Style: Decide if servers will pour wine at tables, or if it’s self-serve at a bar.

• Chilling & Storage: Ask how wines will be chilled and kept at proper serving temperatures.

Some couples even create a custom wine label to personalize the bottles with their names and wedding date—a fun touch and a memorable keepsake.

Step 9: Think About Leftovers

You may have wine left over—and that’s not a bad thing. Many couples take home extra bottles to enjoy on anniversaries or give to friends and family.

If buying through a retailer, ask if they allow buy-back of unopened bottles—some will refund you for extras.

Final Thoughts

Choosing wine for a wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on your guest list, menu, and budget, you can create a wine selection that complements your celebration and delights your guests.

Stick with approachable wines, taste before you commit, and aim for balance across red, white, and bubbly. With a little planning, the wine at your wedding can be just as unforgettable as the vows and the dancing.

Cheers to your happily ever after—glass in hand!