The wine you choose for your wine can be a much bigger decision than you may think. However, there are a few simple tips you can remember that will not only make it easier, but also ensure all your guests enjoy every sip.
What’s Popular?
The first thing you should do is think about what is and isn’t popular. This is important because the last thing you want to do is buy multiple cases of wine that only a small group of your guests will enjoy.
For instance, shiraz red wine, a riesling, chardonnay, etc, are wines that most people really enjoy or, at the very least, won’t mind drinking.
Consider the Season
Next, consider the season your wedding is happening in and match the wine with it. This is a small touch that can go a long way, as there will also be a relationship between the season and the menu you choose.
For instance, if your wedding is in the Summer, opt for refreshing white wines with a hint of zest and a hit of fruit. For a Winter wedding, rich, warming reds are an incredible choice.
Budget
Considering wine is one of the drinks many couples choose to provide, whether they have an open bar or not, it is important to choose the best wine for your budget. However, even a small wine budget can go a long way.
Don’t fall into the trap of having to buy the most expensive wines, as more often than not; you won’t be able to buy as much as you need. Instead, opt for a solid mid-range wine that guests can enjoy a couple of glasses of.
If your budget is a bit flexible, you can also purchase a few bottles of more expensive wine that can be reserved for you and your family, or the guests at your main table.
Order Enough
Speaking of ordering, be sure to order enough, especially if you are planning on serving wine throughout the day, and during the meals. Depending on the number of guests you have, many wedding planners suggest to order one bottle per guest.
While this may seem like a lot, don’t forget that a standard bottle contains about five glasses of wine, and when stretched throughout the day, five glasses isn’t as much as it seems.
Consider the Venue
This small aspect can cost you or your guests money if you overlook it. Always double-check the rules of your venue when it comes to wine. Some venues may have corkage fees, which means it will cost you money to open each bottle.
Some venues may require you to buy wine from them to use at your wedding; this isn’t the end of the world, as making the effort to explore their range could save not only you time, but also money, especially if they offer bulk purchase prices.
Match the Menu
Wine and food pairings are incredibly common, and they should most definitely be at your wedding as well. Not only do they create a more complete menu, but when done right, both the wine and the dish can be improved simply by serving them together.
While this can be tricky, talking to your caterer or the chef doing your food will make it far easier, as they will also be able to provide information and insight into what they think will work best.
Balance
No matter what you serve at your wedding, from the pre-meal snacks to the wine, always have options and a balance of flavours. In the case of wine, have a mix of whites, reds, rosés, champagne, etc.
If you have the budget, you can take this further by offering sweet, dry, and dessert wines, to ensure your guests can always have the exact type of wine they love.
Champagne
Champagne is a must for any celebration, but for weddings, there is no need to go overboard with the amount you buy. While you can have a few cases of it for guests to enjoy, at the very least, you need champagne for toasting.
Not only does it make the event more fun and fancy, but it is the classic drink to toast with and your guests will appreciate a glass or two of bubbly during the reception.
Taste Them
Before you choose or purchase any wine, make sure you take the time to taste them. Whether it be at the vineyard itself, or purchasing the bottles at the store, take a few hours to taste them all and see what you do and don’t like.
You can take this a step further by having practice runs of your wedding meals, and trying the wines with each dish to ensure they pair perfectly together.
Add a Special Touch
A small but meaningful thing you can do is to include a wine that has a special place in your heart. It can be your and your partner’s favourite, the first bottle you shared together, or one from the area your family is from.
You can also turn this into a wedding favour for your guests, by creating custom labels for the bottles and handing them out as your guests leave.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.