Looking for help with your wedding wine selection on your big day? We have got you covered with some practical tips and considerations to ensure a delightful celebration for you and your guests.

Your wedding day is a celebration of love and joy. The right selection of wines can really add to the experience for you and your guests!

The Big Question: What is the perfect amount of wine for a wedding?

Whether it is an intimate 20 guests or lavish 200 guests party, it is important to establish a budget when planning a wedding. To determine how much wine to purchase, first calculate how much wine will be needed, then you can allocate budget to your wines.

Something to consider!
If you are serving cocktails or beer, reduce your wine order by around 20-30%.

Alight, we have tackled a major task, now let’s enjoy the rest!

What types of wine to choose?

1. Consider the season

• If you are having an outdoor wedding during summer, go for light, crisp and refreshing whites or light-bodied rosés.
• If you are having an indoor celebration in cooler months, opt for fuller-bodied reds or elegant sparkling wines. 

Also, take into account the ambience and venue setting – is it a formal, casual, or outdoor or destination wedding?

2. Include your favourite wines

Don’t be afraid to inject a little of your personality by incorporating your favourite wines into the selection. Choose 1 or 2 wines that hold a special place in your heart. Adding this personal touch will make the wedding uniquely yours. It is your wedding day, you would want to enjoy what you are drinking at the end of the day.

Something to consider!
Going 50/50 with white and red wine is always a safe choice. Adjust the proportion to 60/40 for the ratio of white/rose wine to red wine for a summer wedding, and vice versa.

Plan for the entire event – from toasting to after party!

From the reception, toasting, and banquet to the after-party, make sure to select different wines to complement each part of the day. This attention to detail will impress your guests and create a seamless flow throughout the day.

The toasting wine – Champagne and other options!

1. How much wine should I prepare for the toast?

Coming back to the million pounds question. When it comes to the toast, a helpful tip is to divide your no. of guests by 6 to 9, depending on your guests’ preferences. Aim for 6 if you have a crowd of wine enthusiasts; otherwise, plan for 9 guests per bottle as a standard.

2. Wedding Champagne alternatives?

If you have budget constraints, explore alternatives like Cremant which is also made in traditional champagne method or Prosecco. These can be an affordable yet delightful option.

Why not consider English Sparkling wines like Langham Estate or Tickerage? It’s a great way to show your support to our local producers and add a touch of elegance to your special day.

The banquet wine – white, red or rose?

Instead of thinking about food pairing, focus on the season and the atmosphere you vision for your wedding. Food pairing can be tricky and subjective, it is better to spend your efforts on making sure the wine will be enjoyed by your guests.

White Wines

Our suggestion is to go with a lighter white wine with vibrant acidity, they tend to be easier to pair with all styles of foods and better quality for the price. Look into Sauvignon Blanc, unoaked Chardonnay, Albarino or Chenin Blanc. These wines will be your crowd-pleaser and are great for summer weddings.

Red Wines

• If you have a tight budget, focus on £15 or below wines, consider Merlot, Syrah and Malbec, which are always a crowd-pleaser.
• If you are hosting an outdoor wedding, consider lighter red from the island regions, Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt from Austria or a light Grenache from Spain.
• If you are having a rich meaty dish, go for a red blend from Cote du Rhone, Temperillano from Rioja, Sangiovese-based wine from Tuscany or even a Cannonau from Sardinia to spice up the mix!

Don’t Forget the After Party!

The after-party is a time to let loose and celebrate the night away. Offer something light and cheerful. Consider options like bag-in-box wine, which comes in volume (around 4 bottles), a budget-friendly option and easy to serve.

Something to consider!
Magnum format can be a cost-saving option, also perfect for celebrating this special day!

Still uncertain about what to get?

It is absolutely normal to feel this way when you have many other factors to consider. We’ve put together some extra tips for you to consider.

1. Seek advice from wine experts

If you’re unsure about which wines to choose or need guidance, don’t hesitate to seek advice from wine experts, local wine shops, sommeliers, or even online wine communities! They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your wedding. Drop us a message if you need assistance! 

2. Do a wine tasting

Consider doing a wine tasting before making your final wine selections to ensure they meet your expectations. This allows you to sample different options and make an informed decision based on your palate preferences. Wine tastings can also be a fun and memorable pre-wedding activity for you and your partner.

Choosing the perfect wines for your wedding involves considering various factors.

 Some key considerations are

• Choose wines based on seasons and the ambience
• Plan for the entire event, from the guest arrival to the after-party
• Seek advice from wine experts or arrange a wine tasting if unsure.  

Most importantly, enjoy the process and let your personal preferences shine through. We hope this is useful to create a delightful wedding wine selection that celebrates your love and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Next in our expert advice series: Pairing Wine and Cheese

This Blog post is written by Sharon Wong
Consumer Sales and Marketing Manager of Wanderlust Wine 

Sharon is the the driving force behind our website, wine club, marketing activities, and Wanderlust Wine events.