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Ah, marriage. That magical moment when you say “I do” for life, but above all, when you toast your friends, family, neighbors, and sometimes even people whose first names you don’t really know. And where there’s a wedding, there’s a banquet. And where there’s a banquet… there’s wine . So, how many bottles of wine should you bring for a wedding?
Spoiler: more than you think, but don't panic, we'll dissect all of this slowly.
Let's not beat around the bush: the first thing to do isn't choosing the wine, or even the wedding dress , but knowing how many people will be there. It seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many couples plan the wine before they have the final guest list.
So, make your list, add Aunt Michèle who always comes with a mysterious +1, count the children (even if they don't drink, they take up space), and above all: leave some space . A last-minute cousin, a friend who brings their new half... better too much than not enough.
We're not telling you anything new, children don't drink wine. But be warned: some young adults have impressive drinking capacities (especially after midnight), while others prefer a light cocktail. So count the number of real drinkers , estimating that 70 to 80% of adults will consume wine .
Not everyone empties a bottle alone (although). There are:
Enlightened amateurs who drink in moderation but regularly,
Occasional drinkers (often those who can't hold up well),
And the "I-won't-say-no-to-a-little-glass" that end up dancing on the tables.
The important thing is to find a realistic average.
A wedding isn't just about one meal. There are several key moments where the bottles are uncorked, and each one deserves a little time to linger.
The famous "vin d'honneur" is often the first trap. It's supposed to be an aperitif, but in reality, it's a sort of pre-party that lasts a good two hours (minimum). We drink white wine, rosé, sometimes red, and often bubbly — all while admiring the bride who is already proudly parading in her glamorous and daring Backless Wedding Dress .
Allow approximately 1 bottle for 3 people for the reception.
So for 100 guests: around 33 bottles (yes, already).
During the meal, guests drink more leisurely... but steadily. Generally, a white wine is served with the starter or fish , then a red with the meat , and sometimes a sweet or mellow wine with the cheese .
We count approximately one bottle of wine for 2 people with the meal .
And again, depending on the length of the dinner and the outside temperature (yes, in summer we drink more white wine, and more quickly), you sometimes have to adjust.
Technically, wine isn't served at this time, but rather champagne or sparkling wine. It's time for toasts, speeches, a tiered cake, popping corks... and the flowing wedding dress that twirls to the rhythm of the emotions.
Plan on 1 bottle of champagne for 6 people (or 1 for 4 if you're aiming for generosity).
Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter. Here's a typical estimate for 100 adults :
Reception : 1 bottle for 3 → 33 bottles
Meal (white + red) : 1 bottle for 2 → 50 bottles
Champagne for dessert : 1 bottle for 6 → 17 bottles
Total: approximately 100 bottles for 100 people.
And then you say to yourself: “Oh yeah, really.” Yes, but wait, it’s not over yet.
You are not asked to double the quantities, but allow 10 to 15% more , this is the minimum for:
Managing the unexpected
Avoid running out of red wine halfway through the roast
Please those who want a second glass
So, for 100 people, plan on 110 to 115 bottles . It's not a waste: what's left over, you can always drink later, or give as a gift.
Don't want to do math every time? Here are the simple ratios :
Reception : 1 bottle / 3 guests
Meal : 1 bottle / 2 guests (half white, half red)
Champagne / bubbles : 1 bottle / 6 guests
And above all: 1 adult = approximately 4 glasses of wine throughout the day .
A little less for the wise, a little more for the partygoers.
Yes! And not just a little.
In summer:
White and rosé wines go faster (due to freshness)
We drink more often , especially outdoors.
Champagne is drunk like water (but beware of the opposite effect)
In winter:
We favor reds, which are warmer.
We often drink less quickly , especially if it is cold.
Guests often stay longer at the table , so consumption spreads out more.
So, adapt your quantities to the climate , and if you are marrying in July or August… almost double the rosé.
The magnum (1.5 L) is popular. It's classy, impresses the audience, and keeps the wine better. But above all: it's the equivalent of 2 standard bottles .
Benefits :
Fewer bottles to open
More presence on the tables
Less waste (long live ecology, even drunk)
But be careful: not all wines are available in magnums, and they require a little more logistics (transport, storage, etc.).
Two options: large-scale distribution or a wine merchant/producer .
You'll find affordable bottles, often on sale, and it's convenient for buying in bulk, a bit like an Empire Wedding Dress : simple, accessible, but with no guarantees on the details. The downside? The quality is variable, and the advice... nonexistent.
Do you want a wine with meaning, a beautiful story, or one that comes from the region where you're getting married? Turn to a wine merchant, or better yet, a local winemaker.
Additionally, some take back unopened bottles , which can save your budget if you have a surplus.
We understand the desire to please everyone. But be careful: too much choice kills choice.
Ideally:
A white man
A red
A sparkling wine for dessert
That's more than enough. By adding rosé to the reception, you cover 99% of tastes.
Even though this article is about wine, remember that not everyone drinks wine . Plan alternatives:
Craft beers (guaranteed success)
Simple cocktails (spritz, mojito)
Soft drinks for drivers and children
No matter how many bottles there are, if no one opens them, it's useless. You need to:
Smooth service : servers must know how the meal will unfold
A good pace : neither too slow (empty glasses), nor too fast (forgotten glasses)
Adapted glasses : yes, it changes the experience
And above all: avoid the canteen-style “self-service” red wine in the middle of the table. Wine deserves better.
You don't want to be that couple whose guests remember, "Oh yeah, great wedding, but I had to finish on Coke."
It's better to plan ahead, put away leftovers, and why not serve them at brunch the next day (festive recycling, approved).
Compare offers and do the math: sometimes this kind of resource can also help you see things more clearly. Sometimes, centralizing your options lowers the cost.
For 100 guests , count 110 to 115 bottles of wine .
Divide according to the highlights: reception, meal, dessert.
Allow some margin, especially if it's hot.
Limit referrals to avoid losing guests.
Get advice from a wine merchant or winemaker.
Don't neglect service or alternative drinks.
If you have extra wine (lucky you), you have several options:
Save it for your future evenings with friends
Offer it to your guests as a souvenir
Resell it (some groups or sites allow this)
Drink it slowly, thinking about that wonderful (or hazy, depending on the alcohol content) day.