One of the most common wedding drink planning questions is: How much wine do we need? The answer depends on your guest count, the length of your wedding, and the other drinks available.
For a shorter wedding reception (4-6 hours), the following guidelines work well:
General Guideline:
- Wine for the Meal – Allow half a bottle per guest.
- Champagne for Wedding Toasts – One bottle serves six guests.
- Welcome Drinks – Plan for one glass per guest (Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine).
- Craft Beer & Spirits – If including these, you may need less wine per person.
Longer Weddings (6+ hours or all-day events)
If your wedding lasts longer or has an extended evening reception, consider increasing quantities:
- Wine – Up to two-thirds of a bottle per guest.
- Beer & Spirits – Additional stock for later in the night when guests shift from wine to spirits.
Example for a Wedding of 100 Guests (Standard Reception):
- 50 bottles of wine (red, white, or a mix)
- 16 bottles of Champagne for toasts
- 20 bottles of sparkling wine for welcome drinks
- 50 to 60 bottles of craft beer (if serving)
At TheCru.ie, we’ll customise your wedding drinks package to match your guest list, schedule, and menu. Plus, with our Sale or Return service, you won’t have to worry about over-ordering!
Need expert advice? Contact us at Orders@TheCru.ie and let us help you get it just right!