Weddings & wedding planners
How many bottles of wine to plan for a wedding
Calculations should always separate the cocktail reception from the meal. Consumption rates differ between the two stages.
Reference ratios
For the cocktail reception, allow 0.4 to 0.5 bottles per guest (approx. 3 glasses of Champagne or 2 glasses of wine). For a full seated meal, the standard range is 0.7 to 1 bottle per person across all wines.
Example for 50 guests
Cocktail reception: 20 to 25 bottles (Champagne or chilled white). Meal: 35 to 50 bottles split between white, red and potentially rosé depending on the menu.
Example for 100 guests
Cocktail reception: 40 to 50 bottles. Meal: 70 to 100 bottles. Adding a 10% safety margin is recommended to avoid running out late in the evening.
Example for 150 guests and more
For groups over 150 guests, serving magnums (150 cl) streamlines logistics: fewer bottles to open and smoother service flow. Plan 60 to 75 magnums for a meal of 150 guests.
Return of unopened bottles
A reputable wine merchant offers buy-back for unopened bottles after the event — a point to confirm in advance rather than underordering.
Frequently asked questions
- Should extra water be provided?
- Yes, one bottle of still water and one bottle of sparkling water per two guests, in addition to wine.
- Should dessert Champagne be calculated separately?
- Yes. Dessert Champagne represents approximately 0.3 bottles per person, in addition to the cocktail reception.
- How many bottles should be opened at the start of the cocktail reception?
- About one third of the estimated total, then open bottles according to service flow to maintain freshness.