Planning Drinks for a Wedding: How Much Do You Really Need?

Of all the decisions in wedding planning, working out the drinks can be surprisingly stressful. Order too little and the celebration falls flat; order too much and the budget suffers. Here is a simple, reliable framework.

Break the day into stages

The easiest way to plan is to think about each part of the day separately.

1. The drinks reception

Allow around two to three drinks per guest for a reception of one to two hours. Many couples serve Champagne or sparkling wine, alongside a signature cocktail and a non-alcoholic option.

2. The wedding breakfast

A common guide is half a bottle of wine per guest during the meal. Split it between red and white according to your menu and the season. In summer, whites and rosé tend to be more popular; in winter, reds come to the fore.

3. The toast

One glass of Champagne per guest is sufficient. A 75cl bottle pours around six glasses, though for toasts you can pour slightly smaller measures.

4. The evening party

This depends heavily on your guests. Allow for a mix of beer, wine and spirits, and remember that evening-only guests will join at this point.

A quick calculation

For 100 guests, a typical plan might include:

• Around 40 to 50 bottles of fizz for the reception and toast.

• Around 50 bottles of wine for the meal.

• Spirits, beer and soft drinks for the evening.

Adjust for your crowd. You know better than anyone whether your guests lean towards Champagne or real ale.

Do not forget non-alcoholic options

Premium alcohol-free sparkling wines, spirits and crafted mocktails are now excellent. Make sure designated drivers, expectant guests and those who simply prefer not to drink have something just as special.

Practical tips

• Ask your venue about corkage fees before buying your own drinks.

• Check whether unopened bottles can be returned.

• Consider magnums for the top table; they look spectacular in photographs.

• Arrange chilling well in advance, especially in summer.

Let us help you plan

The Drink Cellar supplies wine, Champagne and spirits for weddings and private events. Explore our range or get in touch for tailored quantities and advice.