Weddings & wedding planners
Wedding wine budget: what it really costs
The wine budget for a wedding ranges from €25 to €150 per guest depending on the standard. Three price ranges structure the market.
Entry-level range: €25 to €40 per guest
Artisanal Crémant for the welcome reception, regional appellation wines for the meal. Decent quality, suitable for weddings up to 100 guests on a controlled budget.
Mid-range: €40 to €80 per guest
Grower Champagne for the welcome reception, regional crus classés for the meal (Bourgogne village, Bordeaux cru bourgeois, communal Rhône AOC).
Prestige range: €80 to €150 per guest and above
House or vintage Champagne for the welcome reception, grands crus for the meal, optionally magnums. Standard for villa weddings in Cap Ferrat, Saint-Tropez, Monaco.
Cost items to consider
Welcome reception wine, meal wine(s), dessert Champagne, optional digestifs (aged rums, tasting whisky). Allow a 10% safety margin to avoid running short.
Frequently asked questions
- Which wine category represents the largest expense for a wedding?
- Champagne for the welcome reception accounts for an average of 40% of the total wine budget, regardless of the standard.
- How can costs be reduced without sacrificing quality?
- Choose a grower Champagne instead of a major brand, and opt for lesser-known yet well-crafted appellations for the meal.
- Can the budget be estimated in advance?
- Yes, a detailed quote can be prepared once the guest count and target standard are defined.