How Much Wine for a Wedding?
The complete guide to wedding wine quantities - with formulas, variety recommendations, and shopping lists.
TL;DR - Quick Formula
Half a bottle per guest for a standard reception with full bar. For 100 guests = 50 bottles. For wine-only service, increase to 0.75 bottles per person. Split: 50% white, 30% red, 20% rosé.
Get exact wine quantities for your weddingThe Wedding Wine Formula
The standard calculation assumes wine makes up about 35% of drinks at a wedding with a full bar. Here is the math:
- Each guest has approximately 1 drink per hour
- A 5-hour reception = 5 drinks per person
- 35% of drinks are wine = 1.75 glasses per person
- Each bottle has 5 glasses = 0.35 bottles per person
- Add 20% buffer = 0.5 bottles per person
Wine Quantities by Guest Count
Here is a quick reference for different wedding sizes:
| Guests | Full Bar | Wine-Heavy | Wine-Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | 25 bottles | 30 bottles | 38 bottles |
| 75 guests | 38 bottles | 45 bottles | 56 bottles |
| 100 guests | 50 bottles | 60 bottles | 75 bottles |
| 150 guests | 75 bottles | 90 bottles | 113 bottles |
| 200 guests | 100 bottles | 120 bottles | 150 bottles |
Red vs White vs Rosé Ratios
The right wine mix depends on your wedding season and menu:
Spring/Summer Weddings
- White wine: 45% (crisp, refreshing options)
- Rosé: 30% (increasingly popular for warm weather)
- Red wine: 25% (lighter reds like Pinot Noir)
Fall/Winter Weddings
- Red wine: 50% (fuller bodied options)
- White wine: 35% (oaked Chardonnay pairs well with fall menus)
- Rosé: 15% (still offer it, but less prominent)
Menu-Based Adjustments
- Beef/Lamb entrée: Increase red to 50-55%
- Chicken/Pork entrée: Keep standard ratio
- Fish/Seafood entrée: Increase white to 55-60%
- Vegetarian: Flexible - lean toward white and rosé
Get Your Exact Wine Quantities
Our wedding wine calculator factors in season, menu, and guest preferences.
Calculate Wine NeedsBest Wine Varieties for Weddings
Choose crowd-pleasers that pair well with typical wedding menus:
White Wine Recommendations
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, pairs with appetizers and seafood
- Pinot Grigio: Light and easy-drinking, universally liked
- Chardonnay: Versatile choice - get both oaked and unoaked if possible
- Riesling: Slightly sweet option for guests who prefer sweeter wines
Red Wine Recommendations
- Pinot Noir: Lighter red that pairs with almost anything
- Merlot: Smooth and approachable, great for red wine newcomers
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold option for red wine lovers and beef dishes
- Red blend: Often the best value, designed to be food-friendly
Rosé Recommendations
- Provence-style rosé: Dry and elegant, the gold standard
- Côtes de Provence: Classic French option
- California rosé: Slightly fruitier, very approachable
Wedding Wine Budget Guide
Here is how to allocate your wine budget effectively:
Budget-Friendly
House wines, bulk buys. Great for casual receptions.
Sweet Spot
Best value. Quality guests notice, price they do not.
Premium
Special selections. Consider for head table only.
Wine Service Tips for Weddings
- Temperature matters: Serve whites at 45-55°F and reds at 60-65°F. A too-warm white or too-cold red ruins the experience.
- Pre-open bottles: Have bartenders open 6-8 bottles before guests arrive. Red wines benefit from breathing.
- Station placement: Consider separate wine stations from the main bar to reduce congestion.
- Pour size: Standard wedding pour is 5 oz. Too generous pours mean running out early.
- Ice buckets: Keep whites and rosés in ice throughout the reception. They warm up quickly.
Where to Buy Wedding Wine
- Costco/Sam's Club: Best prices, limited selection. Their Kirkland wines are excellent value.
- Total Wine: Great selection, case discounts (usually 10-15% off)
- Local wine shops: Personalized recommendations, may offer tasting before buying
- Direct from wineries: Special for wine country weddings, often offer wedding discounts
Common Wedding Wine Mistakes
- Buying all one variety: Even if you love Chardonnay, your guests have diverse tastes
- Forgetting rosé: It is one of the fastest-growing wine categories and a crowd favorite
- Not chilling enough white: Start chilling at least 4-6 hours before the reception
- Skipping the buffer: Always buy 15-20% extra - you can return unopened bottles
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bottles of wine per person at a wedding?
Plan for about half a bottle per person for a 5-hour reception. This assumes wine is 35-50% of total drinks consumed. For a wine-only reception (no liquor), increase to 0.75 bottles per person.
What is the ratio of red to white wine for a wedding?
The classic split is 50% white, 30% red, and 20% rosé. For summer weddings, shift to 60% white/rosé. For winter weddings with heavier food, go 50% red. Always consider your menu pairings.
How much wine for 100 guests at a wedding?
For 100 guests at a 5-hour reception with a full bar, plan for 25-30 bottles of wine. For a wine-only reception, increase to 50-60 bottles. This accounts for non-drinkers and varied preferences.
Should I serve expensive wine at my wedding?
Mid-range wines ($12-18 per bottle) are the sweet spot. Guests rarely notice the difference between $15 and $40 wines in a party setting. Save premium bottles for the head table or intimate dinners.
How long before the wedding should I buy wine?
Buy wine 2-4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to exchange bottles if needed and ensures availability. Store in a cool, dark place. White and rosé need 4+ hours to chill.
Can I return unopened wine after the wedding?
Most liquor stores accept returns on unopened bottles with a receipt. Buy 15-20% extra and return what you do not use. Check the return policy before purchasing, especially for large orders.
Related Resources
Calculate Your Wedding Wine Needs
Our free calculator gives you exact quantities based on guest count, reception length, and bar style.
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