Cheap Wine At A Wedding: Is It A Good Idea?

Weddings are expensive, and alcohol can quickly blow your budget. If you're looking to save money, it's worth considering serving cheaper wine at your wedding. While some couples worry about serving cheap wine, there are plenty of ways to save without compromising on quality. It's important to remember that your guests are unlikely to mind, especially if you provide a variety of options to suit different tastes.

One way to save money is to skip the open bar and opt for wine and beer only. This can save you thousands of dollars. You can still splurge a little on the types of wine and beer you provide, but overall, you'll spend much less. Another way to save is to buy your own wine and beer instead of ordering through the caterer, as this can often be more expensive.

When choosing your wedding wine, consider the season and the food you'll be serving. Lighter, refreshing wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are perfect for summer weddings, while heavier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are better for fall and winter. Don't worry too much about perfectly matching the wine to the food—instead, go for easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing options.

Finally, don't forget to calculate how much wine you'll need. A standard rule is to plan for one bottle of wine per guest above the legal drinking age. However, you may need more or less depending on the duration of your reception, the number of non-drinkers, and whether you're serving other alcoholic beverages.

How much wine to buy

There are many factors that influence how much wine you should buy for a wedding. The most important factor is the number of guests—you'll need at least one bottle for every guest above the legal drinking age. However, you should also consider the drinking habits of your guests. If you know your guests are enthusiastic wine drinkers, you may want to provide more than one bottle per guest. On the other hand, if there will be a lot of non-drinkers or older guests in attendance, you may need less. The time of day and duration of the event will also impact how much wine you need, as will the type of food being served and whether other drinks are available.

A standard wine bottle holds 25 ounces, or roughly four to five servings of wine. Wedding planners suggest assuming that each adult guest will drink about one glass of wine per hour. So, for a five-hour wedding with 100 guests, you would need 500 glasses of wine, or about 100 bottles.

If you're serving other types of alcohol in addition to wine, you may need less. According to national retailer Total Wine, about 50% of guests will prefer wine, 30% will prefer beer, and 20% will prefer mixed drinks. If you're not serving mixed drinks, you can expect about 60% of your guests to choose wine and 40% to opt for beer.

It's always better to buy too much wine than not enough, especially if you've found a good deal. Leftover wine can be stored and enjoyed after the wedding, given as gifts, or refunded, depending on the retailer's policy.

• For a 100-guest wedding, divide the number of guests by 2.15 to get the number of bottles needed. This would be about 46 bottles for a 100-guest wedding.
• For a 150-guest wedding with many wine lovers in attendance, you could use the formula (Number of Guests) x (Wine Allocation Per Guest) = (# of Bottles of Wine Required). Using a wine allocation of 2/3 per guest, this would be 150 x 2/3 = 100 bottles.
• For a 275-guest wedding with a mixed crowd, using a wine allocation of 0.5 per guest, the calculation would be 275 x 0.5 = 137.5 bottles, rounded up to 138 bottles.

When deciding how much wine to buy, don't forget to factor in the cost. Determine your budget and find wines that fit within that range. You can often get a discount when buying wine by the case, so be sure to ask about case discounts.

Cheap alternatives to champagne

While champagne is a popular drink for wedding toasts, it can be expensive. If you're looking for affordable alternatives, there are plenty of other drinks that will do the trick. Here are some cheap alternatives to champagne for your wedding:

Prosecco

Prosecco is a form of sparkling wine, which is why it is cheaper than champagne. Most wedding guests won't know the difference, especially if it is served in a champagne flute.

Limoncello Shots

If your goal is to make your wedding feel like a true party, shots might be the way to go. Limoncello shots offer a summertime feel and one bottle can go a long way.

Sparkling Cider

If you're having an alcohol-free wedding, sparkling cider is a great alternative. The base of most sparkling ciders is apple juice, and the crisp, sweet taste is perfect for any season.

Cava

Cava is the Spanish version of sparkling wine. It is produced in the same way as champagne, making it an affordable alternative to its French cousin. Cava tends to have a balanced fruity flavor but is not as sweet as prosecco.

Blanquette de Limoux

Blanquette de Limoux is a slightly sweeter, lower-alcohol sparkling wine from the Languedoc region of Southern France, the true birthplace of sparkling wine. It is often cloudy in appearance due to the second fermentation in the bottle. It pairs well with fresh seafood and spicy dishes.

Crémant de Loire

Another French sparkling wine, Crémant de Loire, comes from the Loire Valley. It is elegant on the palate, with fresh and lively Bruts and gentler Demi-Secs. They are ideal for a toast or paired with fish and white meat.

American Pet-Nats

American Petillant Naturel, or Pet-Nat, is a light, naturally sparkling wine that's low in alcohol. It's ideal for couples looking for a natural and local option. Pet-Nats go well with lighter summer seafood dishes such as shellfish and fried shrimp.

Frizzante Lambrusco

Frizzante Lambrusco is a lightly fizzy red wine made in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. It is a fruit-forward, low-alcohol sparkling wine with flavors of berries and some floral notes. Lambrusco pairs well with Italian cuisine, including cheese, charcuterie, and pasta dishes.

How to save money on wedding wine

It's easy for costs to spiral out of control when planning a wedding, and the wine bill can be a significant contributor. Here are some tips to help you save money on your wedding wine without compromising on quality or quantity:

Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It

Before you start shopping for wine, set a realistic budget and communicate this to your caterer or wine supplier. This will help them narrow down the options and suggest wines that fit your budget. It's better to have a larger quantity of good-quality, moderately-priced wines than a few expensive bottles.

Choose Your Venue Carefully

If you want to save money on wine, consider a venue that allows you to bring your own alcohol. Venues that have an in-house bar or caterer often charge a significant markup on wine, and you may be restricted to their limited and overpriced wine list.

Skip the Open Bar

Instead of offering a full open bar with spirits, opt for wine and beer only. This will significantly reduce your alcohol costs. You can still provide a variety of options within this framework, and your guests will appreciate having a selection to choose from.

Compare Retailers and Look for Discounts

Shop around at different liquor stores, as prices can vary. Places like Total Wine & More and BevMo offer case discounts, which are great when buying in bulk for a wedding. Also, don't be afraid to try discount sellers or wholesale stores like Costco or Sam's Club.

Choose Your Wines Wisely

When selecting wines, go for easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing options that complement your menu rather than trying to match specific wines to specific dishes. Lighter, milder wines with subtle fruitiness, such as Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, tend to be versatile and well-liked.

Consider Alternatives to Champagne

Champagne for the toast can get expensive. Consider more affordable alternatives like Cava or Crémant, which are made in a similar style and offer a wallet-friendly option without sacrificing quality.

Calculate How Much Wine You Really Need

To avoid overspending, calculate the amount of wine you'll need based on the number of guests and the duration of the reception. A standard wine bottle yields around four to five servings. A good rule of thumb is to assume each adult guest will drink approximately one glass of wine per hour.

Be Creative with Presentation

If you're concerned about the perception of serving inexpensive wine, get creative with presentation. You can design custom labels or serve the wine in mason jars to keep your savvy spending a secret.

Remember, it's your wedding, so choose wines that reflect your personality and preferences. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can save money on your wedding wine while still offering your guests a delightful and memorable experience.

Cheers to that!

How to hide that you're serving cheap wine

Serving cheap wine at a wedding is a great way to save money, and there are several ways to hide this from your guests. Here are some tips to ensure your guests are none the wiser:

Choose a good retailer:

Look for a retailer that offers a wide selection of wines at affordable prices. Places like Total Wine & More and BevMo offer case discounts, which are great for bulk buying for weddings.

Go for variety:

Provide a range of different wines to suit various tastes. This will impress your guests and distract them from the quality of the wine. You can include a mix of reds and whites, with a few bottles of rosé, bubbles, or sparkling wine for a toast.

Customise the labels:

Create custom labels for your wine bottles as a special touch. This will hide the true identity of the wine and give your guests something unique to remember.

Disguise the cheap wine:

If you're worried about the cheap wine being obvious, serve it in decanters or carafes rather than the original bottles. This will add an elegant touch and keep your guests guessing.

Offer other drinks:

Provide a variety of other drinks, such as beer and cocktails, to take the focus off the wine. This will also ensure that you have something for everyone, as not everyone drinks wine.

Choose the right glasses:

Use elegant wine glasses that complement your wedding theme. This will enhance the drinking experience and make the wine seem more luxurious.

Keep it well-chilled:

Make sure the white wine and bubbles are well-chilled. This will ensure they taste better and make them more refreshing for your guests.

Match the setting:

Choose wines that suit the setting and theme of your wedding. For example, a relaxed outdoor summer wedding would be perfect for bright and breezy whites, while a winter wedding might call for classic reds.

Don't overserve:

Be mindful of how much wine you're pouring. By controlling the amount served, you can make the wine last longer and avoid your guests getting too tipsy, which might give away the quality.

Remember, it's your wedding, so choose drinks that reflect your personality and taste. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can serve cheap wine without anyone knowing!

What types of wine to serve

It is possible to serve cheap wine at a wedding without making it obvious. Couples with wine-savvy guests know that their friends and family will be able to identify the bright yellow label of an expensive champagne. However, it is best to find the best quality and most crowd-pleasing wine for your price point.

Set a budget

Share your budget with your caterer. It is better to have plenty of good-quality but great-value favourites rather than a smaller number of premium bottles.

Consider the setting

Is your wedding a relaxed outdoor summer gathering or an elegant indoor winter wedding? Think about the weather, food style, and your personalities. For example, a sun-soaked festival wedding with a street-food menu will be better enjoyed with bright and breezy whites like Vinho Verde or Chilean/Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc. A winter wedding might suit something more classic and structured like a big, brooding Cabernet Sauvignon or an ethereal Pinot Noir.

Choose the style

If you don't feel confident in choosing the perfect style, there are a few easy options that won't let you down. Merlot is a great wedding wine: soft, round fruity flavours, a touch of spice, and a people-pleasing smooth texture. Chile is a great place to look for good quality inexpensive versions. Also, look to Europe’s crowd-pleasing classics, such as Crianza Rioja, or lighter-weight Valpolicella. A new world Pinot Noir makes a mouthwatering alternative, packing loads of crunchy cranberry and raspberry flavours.

For whites, it is safest to stay in the dry and refreshing zone. Try new world Sauvignon Blanc for aromatic fruit flavours, Chablis for classic elegance, or go for something a bit different with an Austrian Grüner Veltliner.

Rosé is an unexpected hero when it comes to matching with food – they work beautifully with spicy foods, fish, meat, and vegetables, and look amazing on the table.

Provide options

Give your guests options by choosing at least one red and one white wine. Two foolproof options that can be served year-round are Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines are lighter in body with subtle fruitiness that goes well with a variety of foods.

Consider the food

When choosing your wine, consider your food menu for the reception. The best wedding wines complement the main entrée, bringing out even more primary and secondary flavours. For example, a light, dry white wine is a match made in heaven for flaky fish. Varieties to consider include Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. If you want a red option, try a rosé, Pinot Noir, or Gamay. Sparkling wines, such as Prosecco or Cava, also work well with fish.

Frequently asked questions