Wine & cellar advice

Champagne for a wedding: how much to plan

Calculation per guest

The standard calculation assumes approximately half a bottle of Champagne per guest for the cocktail reception, based on 5 to 6 glasses per bottle and an average of 2 to 3 glasses consumed per person during this time. For a meal including Champagne service at dessert or for the toast, add an additional quarter bottle per guest.

For a wedding of 80 guests, this represents approximately 40 to 50 bottles for the cocktail reception and 20 additional bottles for the remainder.

Budget allocation

Allocating the budget between an entry- to mid-range Champagne for the cocktail reception, where volume takes precedence over the uniqueness of the cuvée, and one or two higher-quality cuvées reserved for the newlyweds' toast, optimizes the cost-impact ratio.

Allowing a 10% margin on the calculated quantity remains prudent to absorb variations in individual consumption.