How Much Wine for 70 Wedding Guests

When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most frequently asked questions is "How much wine should I get for 70 guests?" While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on various factors, we can certainly provide a well-researched guide to help you navigate this essential aspect of your special day.

Before we dive into the specifics, let's diminish a common misconception. You don't need to stock up on enough wine to satisfy every guest for an entire evening - unless you're aiming for an unruly bash, of course. Instead, the goal is to have enough for a couple of glasses per guest, considering that not everyone will drink wine, and those who do won't necessarily finish a bottle.

Factors Affecting Wine Requirements

Several factors can influence the amount of wine you'll need for your wedding:

Duration of the Event

The longer your event, the more wine you'll likely need. A 4-hour cocktail hour followed by a sit-down dinner will require more wine than a 2-hour cocktail hour before guests move on to other activities.

Number of Guests

Obviously, the more guests you have, the more wine you'll need. However, as we'll see later, one doesn't simply multiply the number of guests by a certain amount of wine per person.

Wine Pours and Consumption per Guest

Now, let's talk numbers. On average, most wine glasses hold between 4 to 6 ounces. For a standard 750ml bottle of wine (which is a common size), you can expect to get around 5 glasses or 2.5 servings per bottle.

As for consumption, it varies greatly from person to person and event to event. However, a rough estimate for a wedding is around 1/2 to 3/4 of a bottle per guest. This can change depending on factors such as the type of event (reception, dinner, etc.), if there are other alcoholic beverages available, and how long the event lasts.

Cocktail Hour Wines

During a typical cocktail hour, guests will likely have one or two drinks. Thus, you can estimate around 1 bottle of wine per 10 guests for a 1-hour cocktail hour.

Dinner Wines

If you're serving wine with dinner, you'll need more. A good estimate is around 1 bottle of wine per 5 guests for a 3-4 hour dinner event.

Considering Your guests' Preferences

While the above estimates are a great starting point, it's important to consider your guests' preferences. Are they predominantly wine drinkers? Are they more likely to opt for beer or cocktails? The answers to these questions can help you adjust your wine quantities accordingly.

Moreover, think about the type of wine you'll be serving. Sparkling wine, for example, is often consumed faster than still wine due to its higher alcohol content and refreshing taste.

White Wine

White wine is usually more refreshing and easier to drink quickly, so you might consider slightly higher quantities to account for this.

Red Wine

Red wine, on the other hand, is often more robust and full-bodied, which can lead to slower consumption. However, it's still a good idea to have a variety to cater to different tastes.

Lastly, don't forget to factor in any dietary restrictions, as some guests might opt for non-alcoholic beverages. Always ensure that you have plenty of non-alcoholic wine or other alternatives on hand.

Now that you have a solid understanding of how to calculate the wine quantities for your wedding, it's time to start planning. Consult with your venue, caterer, and local wine shops to determine the best wines and quantities for your celebration. Cheers to your big day!