Wedding day is a symphony of special moments and wedding hosting should be treated to nothing less than exceptional, and the ideal Champagne, with its effervescence and celebratory associations, is a brilliant choice to augment the joy and sophistication of wedding day.
Are you gobsmacked by the choices of bubbly? Panic not! Follow this guide to choose the best champagne for wedding hosting and every part of your celebration. Let's pop the cork and discover what Champagne will make this wedding truly shine.
What Makes Champagne Ideal for Weddings?
Champagne is not only a drink, it is party in liquid form in a glass! And what better way to highlight happy wedding celebrations than with the fabulous effervescence of Champagne? Consider these tips before starting to choose your ideal sparkle.
- Symbol of Celebration: Champagne is known everywhere as a drink of toast and celebration symbol, symbolizing celebration and happiness.
- Sophistication & Elegance: Champagnes provide the luxury and silky bubbles to create sophistication for any occasion.
- Versatility: Champagnes are available in many varieties to elevate nearly every detail of your wedding from the toast, reception and even dessert.
- Tradition: Toast with champagne is an age old wedding tradition.
What are the Factors to Consider When Choosing Champagne to Host a Wedding party?
- Budget: calculate how much money you want to spend on Champagne. This will help narrow down your choices to budget-friendly bubbly wines and high-end Champagnes.
- Wedding Theme and Style: The style and formality of wedding may guide your selection. A traditional Brut will be appropriate for an old-fashioned wedding, while a Rosé brings romance to a newer celebration.
- Time of Service: Think about the occasion when the Champagne is going to be served like reception, toast, cocktail hour, and or dessert because different styles are better suited to different occasions and foods.
- Taste Preferences: Keep in mind the taste preferences. Choose Brut type if you like a dry and crisp one, a Rosé if you prefer refined red fruit tones, a Blanc de Blancs if you like a light and citrusy one as it is produced from 100% Chardonnay, or a fuller and richer Blanc de Noirs if you prefer one produced from Pinot Noir? Seek a type that both as an individual will enjoy and or ideally the one with wide appeal for the guests.
- Food Pairing: Think about the menu when it comes to food pairing with Champagne. A reasonably dry Brut usually fits perfectly with light apps and seafood. The Rosé should match well with light meats and fruit desserts, while a sweet Demi-Sec could be a lovely match with a dessert.
- Personalization: think and choose based on whether a specific Champagne house or style is meaningful to the individual, couple or that ties into the wedding theme.
- Number of Guests: Figure out the amount required. One glass per guest for the toast and half a bottle per guest if serving during the reception as one standard bottle holds around six glasses.
- Size: When referencing your champagne selections, it is important to consider size and quantity.
- Magnum Size: Large format size bottles like Magnums (1.5L) and Jeroboams (3L) are wonderful for presenting and more efficient when pouring toast at the ceremony or for pouring in advance of the cocktail hour.
- Mini Celebration Bottles: Mini bottles (187ml) also called splits can make cute and convenient wedding favors for the guests to remember your wedding, or little treats for guests during pre-wedding photo sessions before the ceremony.
Magnums also make impressive wedding gifts, adding elegance to the celebration. Explore our magnum wine and champagne gift guide.
What type of Glassware to Choose?
Once you have made the choice for your "star of the show" champagne, let's get set up with the right glass to enhance the overall Champagne experience. Here are the glasses to consider:
- Flutes: These long, tall, and slightly slanted glasses are made to keep the bubbles alive while elevating the aromas of Champagne. Flutes are best suited for those times we want to toast each other.
- Tulip Glasses: The tulip glass is best positioned for tasting since this style holds aromas in their shape and allows the bubbles to unfold while retaining the aromas.
- White Wine Glasses: Their style allows more air to interact liberate scents (from rolls of Champagne) while allowing the Champagne to breathe. White wine glasses are perfect for vintage or prestige cuvees.
- Coupe Glasses: They are retro in look but disperse bubbles quickly and do a poor job of keeping effervescence alive in the Champagne.
For a unique touch, you might consider personalized champagne flutes to enhance your wedding experience. Learn more about personalized wedding champagne flutes.
Popular Champagne Brands for Weddings:
Let's explore some renowned Champagne houses and their offerings, along with fantastic sparkling alternatives, summarized in the table below:
| Occasion | Brand Examples | Key Characteristics | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedding Toast | Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, Bollinger Special Cuvée, Dom Pérignon (Luxury), Taittinger Brut La Française | Iconic, well-regarded, balanced, celebratory, some with significant prestige. | Mid to High |
| Reception (General) | Prosecco (e.g., La Marca, Mionetto), Cava (e.g., Freixenet, Codorníu), Crémant (e.g., from Alsace or Loire), entry-level non-vintage Champagnes | Lighter, fruit-forward, refreshing, good value for larger quantities. | Low to Mid |
| Special Toasts/Gifts | Vintage Champagnes from specific years, Rosé Champagnes like Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, Blanc de Blancs Champagnes 100% Chardonnay | More complex, nuanced flavors, often with a distinct character. | Mid to High |
| Non-Alcoholic Options | Lyre's Classico Grande, Seedlip Garden 108 & Sparkling Wine Alternative, Freixenet 0.0% Sparkling White/Rosé | Sophisticated and flavorful alternatives that mimic the celebratory feel of Champagne without the alcohol. | Low to Mid |
To explore additional champagne options for your celebration, read about popular champagne brands for all celebrations.
Budget-Friendly vs Luxury Choices:
You don't have to empty your coffers for a fantastic wedding bubbly! Consider these strategies and take a look at the table below for a clearer overview to choose between affordable champagne for weddings vs premium champagne for wedding toast:
| Category | Characteristics | Price Range (Approx. - Varies by Region) | Examples | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly Sparkling | Often non-vintage, lighter in body, fruit-forward, readily available. | $10 – $30 per bottle | Prosecco, Cava, Crémant, entry-level sparkling wines from various regions | Larger guest lists, welcome drinks, general reception service |
| Mid-Range Champagne | Typically non-vintage from well-known houses, good balance and complexity. | $40 – $70 per bottle | Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, Taittinger Brut La Française | Toast for a moderate-sized wedding, serving throughout a smaller reception |
| Luxury Champagne | Often vintage or prestige cuvées, complex flavors, extended aging, iconic status. | $100+ per bottle | Dom Pérignon, Bollinger Special Cuvée, Cristal, prestige cuvées from top houses | Special toasts (bride & groom, wedding party), showcasing exceptional taste |
| Non-Alcoholic Sparkling | These are crafted to mimic the flavors and effervescence of traditional sparkling wine. | $12 – $25 per bottle | Lyre's, Seedlip & Sparkling Wine Alternatives, quality sparkling wines | Guests who prefer or require non-alcoholic options, inclusive beverage service |
You might be thinking you need to spend a fortune on some fantastic champagne for wedding celebration, but it is not the case. Here are some tips to help you become familiar with the various categories of sparkling wine and help you choose the option that best fits within your needs and budget.
- Mix it Up: opt for a higher-end Champagne for the ceremonial toast and a quality sparkling wine or non-alcoholic alternative option for the reception.
- Non-Vintage Quality: Non-vintage Champagne like chardonnay / Pinot Noir / Pinot Meunier tend to be more consistent from year to year and value is much better than vintage Champagne.
- Try Sparkling Options: Prosecco, Cava, and Crémant are just a few examples of sparkling wines that can provide a wonderful experience without breaking the budget.
- Quality vs. Quantity: If you are on a tight budget, and you want to serve a high-quality sparkling wine for a smaller number of guests, instead of serving a lower quality sparkling wine for everyone.
How many Champagne Bottle Counts for Weddings and Celebrations?
How much Champagne to buy? It might feel overwhelming so here is a reference to use that may help,
- 1 Standard bottle (750ml) serves approximately 6 flutes of Champagne
- Toast only= 1 per guest
- Toast + cocktail hour= 2 per guest
- Full reception = ½ bottle per guest (about 3 glasses)
Also, here's a quick overview table loosely based on event size and type:
| Number of Guests | Toast Only (1 glass/guest) | Toast + Cocktail Hour (2 glasses/guest) | Full Reception (½ bottle/guest) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 5 bottles | 9 bottles | 13 bottles |
| 50 | 9 bottles | 17 bottles | 25 bottles |
| 75 | 13 bottles | 26 bottles | 38 bottles |
| 100 | 17 bottles | 35 bottles | 50 bottles |
| 150 | 26 bottles | 52 bottles | 75 bottles |
| 200 | 35 bottles | 70 bottles | 100 bottles |
| 250 | 43 bottles | 87 bottles | 125 bottles |
| 300 | 52 bottles | 105 bottles | 150 bottles |
For your champagne needs, you might consider a champagne case to ensure you have enough for your event.
Also, Wedding hosts, keep in mind a few pointers as running out of bubbles during the celebration is the epitome of a wedding don’t!
- When in doubt, always round up to have some cushion. Having a few extra bottles chilled come in handy during spontaneous, or unforeseen circumstances.
- Serve premium Champagne for monumental occasions such as the couple’s grand entrance or the official toast. For general serving, serve sparkling wine as the main serve first.
- For reception or open bar, budget-friendly sparkling wines or non-vintage Champagne options work wonderfully.
These tips are for smart and elegant choices for serving during the reception that won't strain the budget or break your bank.
Here are some serving Tips for Wedding Champagne
- Chilling: It is best to chill Champagne to the correct serving temperature of 7-9°C (45-48°F) and not to use the freezer since this can chill it too fast and can ruin the taste. Bottles should be stored in the fridge a few hours prior or in an ice bucket with water and ice.
- Opening: You can remove the foil, loosen the wire cage, hold the cork and twist the bottle (not the cork) at a 45° angle until it gently comes out with a soft "hiss."
- Pouring: You can hold the original bottle by the base and pour slowly, but make sure to tilt it slightly at first and then straight up until you fill the glass up to about two-thirds full. This helps to develop aromas and prevents the Champagne from overflowing.
- Glassware: Use clean, proper glassware and do not chill the glasses prior to serving because this will harm the bubbles in the Champagne.
- Presentation: Look for elegant presentations with ice buckets; and make it easy for guests or servers to get the bottles.
- Quantity: Make sure you have ample chilled bottles at the ready to prevent delays for your guests in serving.
- Serving: Traditionally, the wedding party and other honored guests are served first in relation to the toasting ceremony.
- Storage: Prior to the wedding day, remember to store Champagne bottles in a cool dark place to maintain your Champagne.
What are the Key Takeaways from this blog?
- Set Your Budget in Advance: Understanding your financial limitations will help direct your choices.
- Consider the Attendance: Be sure you have enough bubbles for all your guests and for each of the event's phases.
- Consider Style: The level of formality and the overall theme of your wedding will influence your choice.
- Think About Taste and Pairings: Choose a style that you and your partner like and think about what it will be paired with - if anything.
- Don’t Forget About Alternatives: Quality sparkling wines and non-alcoholic alternatives are also great options.
- Serve Correctly: Chilling and pouring properly will contribute to everyone's enjoyment of the Champagne.
By taking the considerations and points mentioned above into account you can feel confident in selecting a fantastic Champagne, and/or alternative options, and worthy of celebrating everyone's wedding, and creating great moments and memories.
In conclusion, now you have a great guide to consider so you can feel good about choosing an amazing Champagne for wedding. So are you ready to discover that ideal bottle or gift set to make your celebration absolutely unforgettable? Explore our curated selection of wedding champagne gifts today!
For thoughtful wedding gifts, consider wines that reflect the couple’s preferences or the wedding’s theme. Read Blog The Art of choosing the best wines for wedding gifts.
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