Choosing the perfect wine for a wedding can be a daunting task. It’s not just about pairing with food, but also catering to diverse palates, working within a budget, and ensuring a plentiful supply.
Many couples fall into common traps when selecting wedding wines, resulting in unnecessary stress, overspending, or mismatched flavors. In this blog, we’ll explore ten mistakes to avoid when picking wedding wines, along with ten recommended wines to consider. This guide will help you make confident and smart wine choices, ensuring your guests are happy and your wedding day goes smoothly.
1. Relying Solely on the Caterer’s Selection
Mistake: Many couples default to the wines suggested by their caterer, but this can be a costly error. Caterers often mark up wines or suggest basic selections that may not reflect your taste.
Advice: Take the time to visit a local wine retailer or specialized wine shop to hand-pick wines. This approach allows you to explore a wider range of choices often at a better price.
Recommended Wine: Waitrose Blueprint German Dry Riesling
- Score: 82/100
- Price: £8
- Description: A crisp, dry white wine with refreshing notes of apple, pear, and peach. This German Riesling is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for guests with diverse tastes.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Waitrose Cellar >>>> HERE <<<<
2. Not Hosting a Wine Tasting
Mistake: Picking wines blindly without tasting them can lead to regret. You might think you’ve chosen the perfect wine, only to find it doesn’t meet expectations.
Advice: Host a small wine tasting with your partner and friends. This can turn the planning process into an enjoyable event and give you a clear idea of which wines are best for your wedding.
Recommended Wine: Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut NV
- Score: 80/100
- Price: £25 (on offer for £22.50)
- Description: This sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir grapes offers flavors of green apple, stone fruit, and buttery brioche. It’s great for a celebratory toast or served during cocktail hour.
3. Choosing Wines That Are Too Adventurous
Mistake: While you may love bold, complex wines, your guests may not share your enthusiasm for challenging flavors.
Advice: Stick to crowd-pleasing varieties and styles. Opt for wines that are easy to drink and approachable for a wide audience, such as a dry Riesling or a smooth Merlot.
Recommended Wine: Espiritu de Chile Intrepido Merlot
- Score: 96/100
- Price: £11
- Description: This fruity Chilean Merlot has delightful flavors of blackcurrant, cherry, and subtle spices from oak aging. It pairs well with beef dishes and is a versatile choice for both casual and formal settings.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Slurp >>>> HERE <<<<
4. Overthinking Food Pairings
Mistake: Many couples stress about perfectly matching wines to the wedding menu. In reality, most wedding menus feature straightforward dishes that don’t require complex pairings.
Advice: Simple wines that complement a range of foods are your best bet. A versatile Sauvignon Blanc, for instance, can pair well with seafood, chicken, or vegetarian dishes.
Recommended Wine: Black Cottage Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
- Score: 95/100
- Price: £15
- Description: With lemon zest, lime, and tropical fruit flavors, this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing and versatile, making it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes.
5. Failing to Provide Variety
Mistake: Offering only one wine option can limit your guests’ enjoyment. While you don’t need an extensive selection, offering at least two different styles can accommodate different tastes.
Advice: Serve a lighter wine, such as a Prosecco, at the reception and move to a fuller-bodied red or white wine with dinner.
Recommended Wine: Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C
- Score: 75/100
- Price: £13
- Description: This light and fresh Prosecco is easy to drink, with flavors of green apple, lemon, and floral notes. Its eye-catching bottle design also adds a touch of elegance.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Freixenet >>>> HERE <<<<
6. Underestimating the Quantity of Wine Needed
Mistake: Running out of wine mid-reception is a disaster for any wedding. Many couples fail to buy enough wine, which can cause unnecessary stress during the event.
Advice: Always over-purchase. Most wine suppliers allow returns on unopened bottles, so it’s better to have too much than not enough.
Recommended Wine: Opi Malbec
- Score: 85/100
- Price: £14 (or £11.99 when buying 12 bottles or more)
- Description: An Argentinean Malbec with rich black fruit, oak, vanilla, and pepper flavors. Its bold profile makes it ideal for beef or heartier dishes.
7. Overspending on One Special Wine
Mistake: Some couples invest a large part of their budget in one standout wine, often for the toast, leaving less budget for the rest of the wines.
Advice: Instead of splurging on one wine, prioritize quality across all the wines served. Your guests will appreciate consistency, and no one will feel left out.
Recommended Wine: Hole in the Clouds Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
- Score: 92/100
- Price: £12 (or £11.99 when buying 12 bottles or more)
- Description: With zesty citrus and tropical fruit flavors, this Sauvignon Blanc is light, and refreshing, and pairs well with a range of dishes, ensuring that all your guests are satisfied.
8. Serving Specialty Bottles That Make Guests Feel Excluded
Mistake: Sharing an expensive bottle with only a select few guests can create awkwardness and make others feel left out.
Advice: Save your cherished specialty bottles for a private moment, such as a post-wedding celebration or anniversary, and focus on providing excellent but accessible wines for everyone.
Recommended Wine: Roche Lacour Crémant de Limoux
- Score: 86/100
- Price: £13.99 (when buying 12 bottles or more)
- Description: A French sparkling wine with notes of stone fruit and apple on a toasty background. This Crémant is an affordable alternative to Champagne, perfect for inclusive toasting.
Related: Is Your Body Lacking Iron? 12 Signs to Watch Out For and Best Supplements
9. Forgetting to Make Wine a Thoughtful Wedding Gift
Mistake: Many couples overlook the sentimental value that wine can have as a wedding gift or keepsake.
Advice: Consider gifting a bottle of wine from your favorite winery or vineyard to celebrate your wedding year. This can be enjoyed on future anniversaries as a special reminder of your big day.
Recommended Wine: Finca Carelio Tempranillo
- Score: 79/100
- Price: £10 (or £7.99 when buying 6 bottles or more)
- Description: This smooth and jammy Spanish red offers excellent value, made from declassified grapes. It’s a great option for gifting or enjoying with lamb or beef dishes.
10. Overanalyzing the Wine Selection
Mistake: Weddings are about celebrating love and unity, not critiquing wine choices. Couples often get caught up in worrying about whether their wines will impress guests.
Advice: Focus on providing enjoyable, accessible wines that everyone can appreciate. Your guests are there to celebrate with you, not to critique your wine expertise.
Recommended Wine: Bienbebido Pulpo Albariño
- Score: 76/100
- Price: £10 (or £8.99 when buying 6 bottles or more)
- Description: This crisp Spanish white wine has citrus and mineral notes, making it an excellent choice for seafood dishes like octopus. Its light, fresh character makes it easy to enjoy without overthinking.
Related: Wine on Hand: How to Build a Versatile Case of Wine to Save and Savor
Final Thoughts
Choosing wedding wines doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By avoiding these common mistakes and opting for wines that are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and affordable, you can ensure your wedding guests enjoy every sip. Keep in mind that a variety of wine styles, enough stock, and focusing on quality over showmanship will go a long way in making your special day memorable.
