George Boyle
Alcohol is a key part of many weddings, and wine is a popular choice for many couples. Wine is often served at weddings alongside other alcoholic drinks, but some couples choose to serve only wine, beer, and cider to avoid guests becoming too intoxicated. If you are bringing your own wine to your wedding, you may need to consider purchasing event insurance. It is also important to reiterate the importance of moderate drinking to your bartender, so they can serve your guests responsibly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine at weddings | Common, but not obligatory |
| Reasons to serve wine | Wine is a traditional drink for toasts, especially champagne; wine is less likely to intoxicate guests than liquor; wine is preferred by many guests over spirits |
| Amount to serve | Depends on the number of guests, duration of the event, and the type of alcohol served; a standard 750ml bottle of sparkling wine contains six full glasses, and experts recommend two glasses per guest; for 100 guests drinking wine for three hours, you would need 50 bottles; for 114 guests, one source recommends 48.75 bottles for dinner; another source recommends 36 bottles for 100 guests |
| Cost considerations | The cost of wine depends on the type and amount served; champagne is more expensive than red or white wine; an open bar will result in higher consumption and cost; corkage fees charged by the venue or caterer can add significant expense |
| Other considerations | Some guests may prefer to bring their own wine; check with the venue whether outside alcohol is allowed; consider the season and menu when choosing the type of wine to serve; red wine is more popular for indoor weddings in fall, winter, and spring, while white wine is preferred for outdoor summer weddings |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wine
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right wine for your wedding. Firstly, you should consider the type of venue, menu, number of guests, and your budget. If you are serving rich meats for dinner, a full-bodied red wine could be a good option. If you're serving fish, you might want to opt for a rosé or a light red wine. The time of year and day can also play a role in your decision—red wine is typically more popular during indoor weddings in the fall, winter, and spring, while white wine is preferred during outdoor summer weddings.
If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser, red wine is a classic choice and can account for about 50-60% of your wine purchase. You can also include sparkling wine, which is commonly used for toasts. If you're serving cocktails, you may want to buy 30% less wine. It's worth noting that most retailers offer case discounts, so be sure to ask about those.
When deciding on the quantity of wine, it's better to have too much than too little. A simple calculation to estimate the amount of wine needed is to multiply the number of guests by the expected number of glasses per hour, and then divide by the number of glasses per bottle. For example, if you have 100 guests and expect them to drink 3 glasses per hour, you would need 300 glasses, which translates to 50 bottles of wine or a little over 4 cases.
If your venue allows you to bring your own alcohol, you can save money by shopping at discount stores or looking for specials at local wine shops. However, some venues charge a corkage fee per bottle, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
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How much wine to buy
There are several factors to consider when determining how much wine to buy for your wedding. Firstly, the number of guests and the duration of the event are crucial. As a rule of thumb, you can estimate that each guest will consume around one glass of wine per hour. For example, if you have 100 guests and the event lasts for three hours, you would need 300 glasses of wine, which equates to 50 bottles or a little more than four cases. It is generally recommended to mix the cases, including red, white, and sparkling wines.
The type of event and the drinking preferences of your guests will also influence the quantity of wine required. For instance, if you offer other beverages such as beer or cocktails, your guests may consume less wine. Conversely, if your wedding is held during the summer or outdoors, you may need more white wine or rosé, especially if fish or seafood is served. On the other hand, for indoor weddings in the fall, winter, or spring, red wine tends to be more popular.
Another factor to consider is the serving size. A standard 750ml bottle of sparkling wine typically yields six full glasses, and it is recommended that each guest be served two glasses. Therefore, for 100 guests, you would need approximately 34 bottles or three cases.
It is worth noting that some guests may drink more or less than others, so it is generally advisable to round up and purchase a few extra cases to ensure you have enough wine. Additionally, if you are serving wine during dinner, you may need to adjust the quantity based on the number of guests and their expected consumption.
Lastly, budget constraints may impact your decision. If you are working with a limited budget, you can explore options such as discount stores or local wine shops for the best deals. Some retailers offer case discounts, typically ranging from 10% to 15% when purchasing in bulk.
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Corkage fees
The purpose of corkage fees is to encourage guests to drink the venue's alcohol while also providing them with the option to bring their own. These fees can be charged per bottle, per table, or per person (known as per glass or per "stem"). The average corkage fee ranges from $10 to $40 per bottle but can be as high as $100 or more. Some venues may charge a flat rate instead of a per-bottle fee, and the fee may be waived for loyalty or included in event packages.
It's important to understand the venue's corkage policy and fee structure before bringing your own alcohol. Some venues may not allow it, and there may be limits on the number of bottles allowed. The fee is typically not given to the server as a service charge but to the venue itself. It's also customary to tip on the corkage fee and offer the server and sommelier a taste of your wine as a sign of respect.
When bringing your own wine, it's essential to follow proper etiquette. This includes ensuring there are food options that pair well with your wine, transporting the bottle in a carrier or box, and not bringing your own wine to save money but rather to enjoy a unique bottle not provided by the venue.
By understanding and navigating corkage fees, you can create a positive experience for both your guests and the venue staff.
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Guests bringing their own wine
If you're planning a wedding, there are many things to consider, from the food to the venue and, of course, the drinks. While it's not customary for guests to bring their own wine to a wedding, it's not entirely unheard of, especially at DIY bar weddings or backyard weddings.
Venue Policies
Firstly, it's important to check with your venue. Some venues have strict policies against guests bringing their own alcohol, and there may be legal or licensing implications if outside alcohol is brought onto the premises. Some venues may even charge a hefty fine if a guest brings in their own wine. It's also worth noting that certain venues require a certified bartender to serve any alcohol brought onto the premises, and some may even require police details.
Corkage Fees
If your venue allows guests to bring their own wine, they may charge a corkage fee. This is a fee that the venue or caterer charges to serve alcohol that guests bring to the wedding. The fees may apply to both wine and beer, or wine only, and they are intended to encourage guests to purchase the venue's alcohol instead. Corkage fees can range from $10 to $40 per bottle, so it's important to be aware of these potential costs and decide who will be responsible for paying them.
Guest Experience and Expectations
Allowing guests to bring their own wine can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it may reduce your costs and give guests the freedom to enjoy their preferred drinks. On the other hand, it can be seen as rude or snobby, implying that the provided drinks are not good enough. It's also important to consider the potential impact on guest dynamics and whether it might create an uneven playing field if some guests bring wine while others do not.
Alternatives
If a guest expresses a strong preference for a specific type of wine, an alternative solution is to ask the bar to stock that particular drink, and the guest can purchase it themselves. This way, you can maintain control over the drink options while still accommodating your guest's preferences.
Ultimately, the decision to allow guests to bring their own wine rests with the couple and the venue's policies. While it can be a cost-effective option, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential drawbacks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
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Drinking responsibly
While it is not necessary to serve wine at your wedding, it is a popular choice, and many guests will choose to drink wine over spirits. If you do decide to serve alcohol at your wedding, it is important to promote responsible drinking.
Firstly, ensure you have a good meal before drinking, as this helps to slow down the absorption of alcohol. It is also important to stay hydrated, so drinking water alongside alcohol is essential. If you are the host, you can encourage safe drinking by reiterating the importance of moderation to your bartender. You could also include a few mocktails on the menu, giving guests the option to reduce their alcohol intake.
If you are drinking, it is advised to arrange a safe mode of transportation before the event, such as a designated driver or taxi. It is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol before and during the ceremony, so you can stay focused and sober for the service. If you are the couple getting married, it is particularly important to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum during the ceremony.
If you are hosting a wedding, you may want to consider limiting excessive drinking by closing the bar an hour before the wedding ends, giving guests time to process the alcohol. You could also provide late-night snacks, such as pizza, to help guests soak up the alcohol before they leave.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to serve wine at your wedding. It is entirely up to you what drinks you offer your guests.
Wine is a popular drink at weddings and is often served during toasts. It is also less likely to intoxicate your guests than spirits.
The amount of wine you need depends on the number of guests, the duration of your wedding, and the type of wine. A simple calculation is to multiply the number of guests by the number of drinking hours, then multiply that by the number of glasses consumed per hour.
It is generally considered rude for guests to bring their own wine, but some couples allow it. It's important to check with the venue, as some charge corkage fees or prohibit outside alcohol.
