Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and figuring out how much alcohol to buy can be tricky. While it's important to stay within your budget, you don't want to run out of drinks halfway through the reception. The amount of wine you'll need depends on factors such as the duration of your wedding, the number of guests, and whether you'll be serving other types of alcohol. It's recommended to have a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines, with the option of soda or juice for non-alcoholic drinks.
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What You'll Learn
How much wine to buy for a wedding
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and figuring out how much wine to buy is an important part of the process. The last thing you want is to run out of wine too early, but you also don't want to waste money by buying too much. The amount of wine you need depends on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the reception, and the type of wine. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how much wine to buy for your wedding:
First, it's important to consider the number of guests attending your wedding. The general rule of thumb is to plan for at least one drink per person per hour. So, for example, if you have 100 guests and your reception lasts four hours, you would need 400 drinks in total. This calculation includes all types of alcohol, such as wine, beer, and liquor.
Next, you'll want to determine the ratio of wine to other types of alcohol. A typical ratio for a wedding is ⅓ wine, ⅓ beer, and ⅓ liquor. However, some sources suggest a 50/25/25 split between liquor, beer, and wine, respectively. If you're offering a full bar, you'll also need to consider common mixers like cranberry and orange juice, cola, and club soda.
Now, let's calculate the amount of wine you'll need. A standard 750ml bottle of wine contains approximately five 5oz glasses. However, during a wedding, serving sizes can be more generous, so you may get about four glasses per bottle. Using our previous example of 100 guests and a four-hour reception, you would need 80 bottles of wine (40 white and 40 red) if half of your guests drink wine. This amount translates to a little more than six cases of wine, which typically contain 12 bottles each.
It's also important to consider the type of venue and your budget. If you're serving champagne or sparkling wine for toasts, you'll need more bottles, as these wines are typically sold in cases of six. The cost of wine can vary depending on the type and quality, so shopping around and comparing prices is essential. Ordering early and trying before you buy are also good ideas. If your venue charges a corkage fee, be sure to factor that into your budget.
Finally, don't forget to think about logistics and local regulations. Check if your venue allows you to bring your own alcohol, and look into state laws regarding self-serving alcohol at events. Consider liability insurance in case something goes wrong. Using a wedding alcohol calculator can also help you refine your estimates and ensure you have enough wine for your special day.
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Wine bottle cost
When it comes to wine at your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll need to decide on the type of wine you want to serve. A safe bet is to offer a variety, including sparkling, white, and red wine. This ensures that you have something to suit different tastes and pair with the food you're serving.
The amount of wine you'll need depends on several factors, such as the number of guests, the duration of your wedding, and the drinking preferences of your guests. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 750ml bottle of wine contains five to six glasses. For a four-hour wedding with 100 guests, you can estimate that you'll need around 400 glasses, which translates to 75-80 bottles of wine. This includes both red and white wine, with a roughly equal split between the two.
To save costs, you might want to consider buying wine in bulk or from discount stores. You can also look for specials and deals at local wine shops and supermarkets. Another option is to make your own wine, which can be a fun and cost-effective activity to do with your bridal party. The cost of making your own wine can vary, but it typically ranges from $5 to $10 per bottle, depending on the type of wine and the ingredients used.
If your venue allows you to bring your own alcohol, don't forget to factor in corkage fees, which can range from $10 to $40 per bottle. These fees can add up quickly, so be sure to include them in your budget.
To help with your planning, there are several wedding drink calculators available online. These tools allow you to input factors like the number of guests, the duration of your wedding, and the types of drinks you want to serve, and they will estimate the amount and cost of alcohol you'll need.
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Types of wine to serve
When it comes to the types of wine to serve at your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is essential to have a mix of wine varieties to cater to different tastes. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one red and one white wine, with the option to include sparkling wine for toasts and celebrations. You can also include rosé, Champagne, or other sparkling wines like prosecco or cava.
The specific types of wine you choose should depend on your tastes, the venue, the food menu, and the season. For example, a summer wedding is typically accompanied by white wine, while a winter wedding might favour red wine. If you're serving steak, red wine might be a better option. You can also choose wines from specific regions or countries that hold significance to you and your partner.
When selecting your wines, it's a good idea to work with your caterer and bartender to choose wines that complement the food. Wine pairings can enhance the dining experience for your guests. Consider having a variety of wine options, including both versatile and distinctive choices. For example, a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir are mild options, while a Merlot or Chardonnay have more distinct flavours. If you're serving hors d'oeuvres, you might opt for a lighter wine like a Pinot Grigio or a sparkling wine.
It's important to keep in mind the number of guests and the duration of your wedding when planning your wine selection. A standard 750ml bottle of wine contains approximately five to six glasses, and each guest is expected to consume around one drink per hour. This will help you estimate the total number of bottles needed. Additionally, consider your budget and shop around for the best deals at discount stores, local wine shops, and supermarkets.
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Alcohol regulations
When it comes to alcohol regulations for your wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, check the laws and regulations of your state or country. Some regions may have specific rules around self-serving alcohol at events, and you want to ensure you are compliant. This is especially important if you plan to stock your own bar or return unopened alcohol after the event.
Secondly, consider the venue's policies. Some venues may require you to select wines from their pre-approved list, while others may allow you to bring your own alcohol but charge a corkage fee per bottle. These fees can add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget.
Next, decide on the type of bar you want to host. Will it be a full bar with liquor, wine, and beer? Or will you offer a signature cocktail or two, craft beers, or a selection of wines? Know your crowd and their preferences to help guide your decision. If you anticipate a lot of designated drivers or non-drinkers, consider providing a non-alcoholic drink option beyond water, such as soda, juice, or iced tea.
When it comes to wine specifically, the general recommendation is to have a mix of sparkling, white, and red wine. The amount you need will depend on the duration of your wedding and the number of guests. A standard rule of thumb is to plan for at least one drink per guest per hour, but you may want to round up to account for heavier drinkers. For a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, for example, you would need roughly 600 drinks.
Finally, don't forget to look into liability insurance. While not a fun topic, it's important to protect yourself in case of any damages or injuries that may occur as a result of the alcohol you provide. A one-day liability insurance plan can give you peace of mind.
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Non-alcoholic drink options
It is important to provide non-alcoholic beverages to your guests, especially if you are serving alcohol. This will make your non-drinking guests feel welcome and included when everyone raises their glasses for toasts. Here are some non-alcoholic drink options to consider for your wedding:
Mocktails
Mocktails are a great way to offer your guests a sophisticated and classy non-alcoholic option. They can be made by mixing non-alcoholic beverages with syrups, juices, fruits, and/or cream. Mocktails can be served during a traditional cocktail hour and can be prepared in large batches ahead of time. You can even create a signature mocktail for your wedding!
Juices
Freshly squeezed juices are always a winner. Consider having staff freshly squeeze organic, local fruit at your wedding and serve them in transparent carafes. You can also create a juice pairing as a non-alcoholic alternative to a wine pairing. This will give your guests a gourmet experience that enhances their meal.
Soft Drinks
If you're looking for something a little more simple, soft drinks are a good option. You can offer a variety of options, including craft root beer, craft sodas, and rustic "fizz" soft drinks that blend herbs, tea, and bubbles. These can be served in an ice bucket, similar to how you would serve beer.
Water
Don't underestimate the importance of serving water at your wedding! Premium water is gaining popularity as a non-alcoholic alternative for luxury weddings. It will highlight the gourmet food and give your guests a complete experience. Serve the water in fine stemware to add a touch of elegance.
Other Options
There are endless possibilities for non-alcoholic drinks, including lemonade, sparkling grape juice, and punches. You can even create a refreshment station with delicious fruit, herbs, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes for your guests to enjoy. If you're looking for something more indulgent, consider setting up a root beer float bar!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to have mixers like cola for your wedding bar. However, it is not necessary. You can also provide other non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, iced tea, or coffee.
The amount of wine you need depends on various factors, including the type of venue, menu, number of guests, and your budget. A general rule of thumb is to plan for at least one drink per guest per hour. For a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you will need around 600 drinks.
It is recommended to offer sparkling, white, and red wine. The ratio of red to white wine can depend on the time of day and the food being served. If it is an outdoor summer wedding during the day, more white wine is typically consumed. If it is at night and steak is being served, more red wine may be preferred.
There are wedding alcohol calculators available online that can help you determine the amount of alcohol needed based on the size of your wedding and the types of drinks you plan to serve. You can also consult a professional bartender or event planner for advice.
Yes, it is important to check with your venue about their policies on bringing your own alcohol. Some venues may charge a corkage fee per bottle, which can impact your budget. Additionally, consider the laws and regulations in your state regarding self-serving alcohol and returning unopened bottles.
