When planning a wedding for guests, one crucial detail that often deserves extra attention is the selection of wines. Choosing the right wines can enhance the atmosphere of your celebration, improve the dining experience, and create lasting memories for guests. For wedding venues, offering a thoughtful, well-curated wine list doesn’t just add value to your packages, it can also help you stand out from the crowd!

So, how do you choose wines guests will love, without overcomplicating the process or running into last-minute surprises? Our ultimate wedding wine guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently choose the perfect wines for your venue’s next celebration.

Setting a Wine Budget for Your Venue

Before jumping into wine lists and pairing suggestions, it’s important to start with a clear and realistic budget. Your wine pricing should align with the overall wedding packages your venue offers. You want to give couples great options without stretching costs too far or compromising on quality.

A few things will affect your wine budget. The number of guests is the obvious one, but also consider whether you’re offering a single-tier package or allowing couples to upgrade to premium wine selections. Many venues opt for a base selection of wines that are included with the package, with optional upgrades for couples who want something a little more special.

Beyond the cost of the wine itself, you’ll also want to factor in any extras, like glassware rental, service staff, or corkage fees if couples are bringing their own bottles. Having all of this planned out makes it easier to offer flexible options while staying on track financially.

How Much Wine Do You Need?

Getting the wedding wine quantities right is key. No couple wants to run out of wine mid-celebration, but ordering too much can mean wasted stock and unnecessary costs. The trick is to strike the right balance, and luckily, we have some simple rules to guide you.

A general rule of thumb is to allocate one to two glasses per guest during the reception, three glasses per guest during the meal, and one glass per guest for the toast. A standard 750ml bottle holds six small (125ml) servings, so you can work out your quantities from there.

Of course, guest preferences can vary. Some weddings may lean more towards cocktails or beer, while others might be all about the wine. That’s where working with a wine supplier like EWGA Wines can really help. We offer a wine calculator through our wedding sample platforms, which provide a tailored estimate for each event, helping you plan confidently without overbuying.

Selecting Wedding Wines That Appeal to Guests

Weddings usually bring together a wide mix of people, and that means a variety of preferences when it comes to wine. While your venue might have its own unique vibe, when it comes to wine, crowd-pleasers are usually your best bet.

Red wine staples like Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz are always reliable. Merlot is smooth and medium-bodied, making it an easy pick for a wide range of palates and dishes. Pinot Noir, with its delicate and fruity notes, is a versatile choice that works well with both meat and vegetarian dishes. If you want something with more punch, Shiraz offers bold, spicy flavours that pair perfectly with rich, hearty dishes.

For white wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio are among the most popular options. Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and zesty, great with seafood or fresh salads. Chardonnay brings a fuller flavour, ideal for creamy pasta or chicken dishes. Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing, which makes it a crowd-pleaser, especially at summer weddings.

Rosé is also a fantastic option for warmer months or outdoor weddings. It’s light, easy drinking and pairs well with a wide range of foods, so it tends to be a hit with guests who might not usually drink wine.

The goal is to build a wedding wine list that’s approachable, balanced and flexible enough to work with most event menus. That way, your couples don’t have to overthink their choices, and your guests are likely to be happy with what’s served.

Selecting a Sparkling Wine Alternative

Toasts at weddings are cherished traditions that celebrate special moments with loved ones. Champagne is the traditional choice, and there’s no denying its charm. But it can also be pricey, especially for larger weddings.

Fortunately, there are plenty of sparkling alternatives that still offer excellent quality and delightful bubbles. Prosecco, Cava, and Crémant all offer excellent flavour profiles at a more approachable price point. Prosecco is a favourite, with its light and fruity flavour. Cava offers great value with a slightly drier finish, and Crémant, made using the same method as Champagne, delivers elegance at a lower cost.

At EWGA Wines, our account managers are here to help you find sparkling wines that match your venue’s style and your couple’s budgets. We can guide you through the options and ensure you’ve got the perfect bottle for that all-important toast… without the stress.

Wedding Wine Tasting – EWGA Wines Sampling Service

Wine tastings are one of the most enjoyable parts of wedding planning for many couples. It’s a chance to try different options, find out what they like, and feel more connected to the details of their big day. But we know that organising tastings can be a lot of work for venues, especially when couples have busy schedules.

That’s why EWGA Wines offers a simple and stress-free wine sampling service. Couples can use our online platform to browse and take advantage of discounted wedding wines and sample them with loved ones from the comfort of their homes. It saves time and removes the need for repeat meetings or long decision-making sessions.

For venues, this means less time spent coordinating tastings and more time focusing on what you do best… hosting unforgettable weddings! And for couples, it adds a relaxed, personal touch to the wine selection process.

Your Trusted Supplier

Choosing the right wedding wine for your venue doesn’t have to be complicated. At EWGA Wines, we take the guesswork out of the process. Once you complete our quick wedding wine contact form, our team will get in touch to learn about your venue, your clientele and your wine needs. Then we’ll help you build the perfect wine list, with options tailored to your pricing, menu and style.

You can also access perks like bespoke private label wines, and through our online sampling platform, you can use our handy wine calculator. And when the big day approaches, we’ll deliver your wine directly to your venue with plenty of time to spare… just in case anything unexpected pops up!

So, if you’re looking to elevate your venue’s wedding wine offering and give your couples one more reason to book, let’s make it happen. We’re here to help every step of the way.