The Perfect Wedding Wine: Buying Months In Advance

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it's easy to overlook crucial things on the wedding checklist. One of the most important factors to consider is supplying enough alcohol for those who wish to drink.

If you're stocking your own bar at your wedding, you may be wondering if there is such a thing as buying alcohol too far in advance. The answer is that it depends on the type of alcohol. Wine and liquor can be bought months in advance and stored in a cool, shaded place, but beer should be purchased no more than a few weeks early, especially if it's a lighter colour.

For a wedding with 100 guests, you should plan for around 30-40 glasses of wine each hour. Since one bottle of wine serves about four glasses, you'll need about 8-10 bottles per hour. It's also recommended to buy bigger bottles and in bulk to save money.

So, if you're wondering if you can buy wine months before your wedding, the answer is yes! Just make sure to store it properly and you'll be good to go.

Wine can be bought months before a wedding

Buying wine for a wedding can be a daunting task, but it is possible to do it months in advance. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Start Planning Early

It is recommended to start planning your wine purchase about three to five months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to research, taste test, and make an informed decision.

Consider the Season and Food Pairing

The type of wine you choose can depend on the season and the food you will be serving. For spring and summer weddings, opt for lighter, refreshing wines such as Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp German Riesling. For fall weddings, consider richer flavors like Merlot or Grenache. Winter weddings call for full-bodied wines such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. Think about what food you will be serving and choose wines that will complement the menu.

Calculate the Amount of Wine Needed

A general rule of thumb is to divide the number of guests by 2.15 to get the number of bottles needed. For example, a wedding with 100 guests would require about 46 bottles of wine. You can also use a wedding drink calculator to get a more accurate estimate.

Shop Around for Deals

Wine can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Buying in bulk from warehouses or local liquor stores can often get you discounts. Look for case discounts, which can range from 10% to 25% off. Some stores also allow returns of unopened bottles, so check the return policy before purchasing.

Storage Tips

If you are buying wine months in advance, proper storage is crucial. Keep the wine in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for storing wine is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. For summer weddings, chill the wine before the reception to keep it refreshing.

Hire Help

Consider hiring a bartender or sommelier to help with the wine selection and serving process. This can take some of the stress off you and ensure that the wine is properly handled and served.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose wines that you and your partner enjoy. Don't overthink it, and trust your instincts. Cheers to a wonderful wedding celebration!

Beer is best bought closer to the wedding

When it comes to stocking up for your wedding, it's important to consider the type of alcohol you'll be serving. While wine and liquor can be bought months in advance, beer is best left until closer to the big day. Here's why:

Beer Freshness

Beer is best enjoyed fresh, especially lighter beers like lagers, wheat beers, and IPAs. These beers are typically packaged in clear or green bottles, which offer little protection from light, and their flavour can fade over time. So, unless you're opting for darker beers like stouts or porters, which can be purchased months in advance, it's best to buy your beer closer to the wedding. This ensures that your guests will be served crisp and delicious beer.

Storage Concerns

In addition to freshness, storing large quantities of beer for an extended period can be challenging. Beer should be kept out of direct light and ideally at a cool room temperature. If you're planning to buy beer months in advance, you'll need to ensure you have a suitable storage space that meets these requirements.

Last-Minute Purchases

Another advantage of buying beer closer to the wedding is that it reduces the risk of running out. While you can estimate how much beer you'll need, it's difficult to predict exact consumption. By purchasing beer closer to the wedding, you can adjust your quantities accordingly and even take advantage of sales or promotions that may arise.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Buying beer closer to the wedding also allows for more variety. You can choose from a range of seasonal beers or limited-edition releases that may not be available months in advance. This gives your guests a wider selection and adds a unique touch to your special day.

Planning Made Easy

Finally, buying beer closer to the wedding can simplify your planning process. With one less thing to worry about months in advance, you can focus on other aspects of your wedding, such as food pairings, decorations, and entertainment.

In conclusion, while it's tempting to stock up on all your wedding alcohol at once, beer is an exception. By waiting until closer to the wedding, you'll ensure fresh, flavourful beer, simplify storage concerns, and have more flexibility with quantities and varieties. So, raise a glass to a well-planned wedding and cheers to many happy years ahead!

Wine and beer are cheaper than spirits

When it comes to stocking up on alcohol for your wedding, it's important to plan ahead to ensure you have a variety of drinks to accommodate your guests' preferences. While it's generally recommended to buy wine and liquor months before the wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to beer.

Wine and beer are typically cheaper than spirits, and they are more cost-effective options for a wedding. Beer is cheaper to produce in large quantities, as it requires less time to ferment and age. In contrast, wine production involves specific grapes and ageing processes, which increase costs. Spirits involve additional distillation and ageing processes, making them more expensive.

When planning your wedding, it's advisable to include a mix of wine, beer, and liquor to cater to different tastes. A general ratio for serving alcohol at a wedding reception is one-third wine, one-third beer, and one-third liquor. This means that for a wedding of 100 guests, you'll need around 30-40 glasses of wine per hour, or about 8-10 bottles.

It's recommended to buy wine and liquor in bulk a few months before the wedding to take advantage of discounts and ensure you have enough stock. However, when it comes to beer, there are conflicting opinions. Some sources suggest that beer can be purchased months in advance, while others advise waiting until closer to the wedding, as beer has a shorter shelf life than wine or liquor.

To save money on your wedding alcohol, consider the following tips:

• Keep your variety simple: Opt for one or two types of red wine, one or two types of white wine, and perhaps a sparkling wine for toasts.
• Limit heavy pours: Instruct your bartenders to pour around three ounces of wine at a time to make the most of your stock.
• Buy in bulk: Purchase wine and liquor by the case to save up to 25%.
• Return unopened bottles: Check with your local liquor store to see if they allow returns, so you don't waste leftover alcohol.
• Choose larger bottles: Opt for high-quality, inexpensive wines in larger formats, such as magnums or jeroboams, to get more for your money.

In summary, wine and beer are excellent choices for a wedding as they are generally more affordable than spirits. By planning ahead, considering your guests' preferences, and taking advantage of bulk discounts, you can ensure your wedding bar is well-stocked and cost-effective.

Buy in bulk to save money

If you're supplying the wine for your wedding, it's a good idea to buy in bulk. This can be a great way to save money, as many merchants offer discounts when you buy by the case. You can save anywhere from 10 to 25% on wine when you purchase by the case, and these discounts can increase when you buy several cases at a time.

Ask your local liquor store about case discounts, as most retailers offer a 10-15% discount. If you're buying a large amount, it's also worth asking if they can offer a better deal.

If you're buying online, it's worth shopping around to find the best deals. Websites like Total Wine & More and BevMo offer case discounts, which are great for buying in bulk for weddings.

It's also worth considering buying from a local provider rather than ordering online, as they can offer drop-off and delivery services. This can be especially useful if you're having a backyard wedding, as you won't have to worry about how you're going to get all the leftover alcohol home.

When it comes to how much wine to buy, it's better to buy more than you think you'll need. You can always return any unopened or unchilled bottles, and your guests won't be disappointed by a well-stocked bar. As a general rule, it's recommended that you buy around 30-40 glasses of wine per hour for every 100 guests. That's around 8-10 bottles of wine per hour.

If you're worried about over-ordering, a good rule of thumb is to take your number of guests and divide it by 2.15 to get the number of bottles you'll need. For example, for a wedding of 100 guests, you should buy around 46 bottles of wine.

So, if you want to save money on your wedding wine, buy in bulk, shop around for the best deals, and don't be afraid to buy more than you think you'll need.

You can return unopened bottles

If you're buying wine for your wedding, it's a good idea to check the return policy of the store you're purchasing from. Many stores will allow you to return unopened bottles of wine, beer, or liquor after your wedding. This can be a great way to save money and reduce waste, especially if you end up with leftovers.

When it comes to buying alcohol for your wedding, it's important to plan and calculate how much wine you'll need. A general rule of thumb is to divide the number of guests by 2.15 to get the number of bottles you should buy. For example, if you have 100 guests, you'll need approximately 46 bottles of wine. It's also a good idea to round up to the nearest case to ensure you have enough.

Another factor to consider is the type of wine you'll be serving. Red wine is a classic crowd favourite and is a good option if you're looking for something that can be stored and enjoyed after the wedding. If you're serving fish or seafood, a rosé or light red wine might be a better option.

When purchasing wine for your wedding, it's also important to think about the time of year and the theme of your wedding. For summer and outdoor weddings, it's a good idea to serve more white wine, while fall, winter, and spring weddings tend to call for more red wine.

In addition to wine, you'll also want to consider other types of alcohol, such as beer and liquor. Beer should be purchased closer to the wedding date to ensure freshness, especially for lighter-coloured beers. For liquor, it's important to consider the cost of staples such as rum, vodka, scotch, and bourbon, as well as the cost of hiring a bartender to make drinks.

Ultimately, the decision of when and how much wine to buy for your wedding depends on your budget, the number of guests, and the type of event you're planning. It's always a good idea to buy in bulk to take advantage of case discounts, and don't forget to include other types of alcohol in your calculations as well.

Frequently asked questions