We all know there is more to planning an Italian wedding than just choosing the perfect villa, your dream dress or suit, and the loveliest array of flowers. An essential part of planning an epic wedding in Italy is ensuring your guests have enough to drink. But how do you determine the right amount? Which bottles should you opt for? And what about those inevitable leftovers? Don’t worry! We have all the answers.
Grab a glass of Italy’s finest prosecco, sit back, and let's delve into the art of stocking your wedding bar flawlessly.
Castello di Rossino
Understanding Your Guest List
The first step is to analyse your guest list to the core. Consider the number of attendees, but also dive deeper into their profiles. Are they predominantly wine lovers or cocktail enthusiasts? Knowing the ratio of men to women and considering age groups will help you gauge the type and amount of alcohol for your wedding in Italy needed. Italians love their wine, so it’s common for Italian weddings to offer an array of local wines from the region you're marrying in. However, for other cultures that might not always be the case. Knowing your family and friends more than anyone else, you may need to consider beer barrels/bottles, cocktails or maybe even non-alcoholic options to avoid any disappointments on your big day. That being said, when in Italy…drink wine of course!
Fabio Mirulla
Duration Matters
The length of your celebration plays a significant role in your alcohol calculations. For shorter affairs, men typically consume around 300 ml, and women about 200 ml of alcohol—roughly one bottle for every four guests. If your celebration extends into a grand affair with an after-party, you’ll need to adjust your numbers and consider an open bar option for the party or any other package plan your caterer or venue can suggest for you. On average, for an aperitivo serving Prosecco or wine, it’s wise to plan for one bottle for every two to three adult guests, or more if your reception promises to be a long, fun-filled Italian festa.
Roras Destination Wedding
How Many Bottles? Easy Calculations
Determining the right amount of alcohol for your wedding in Italy can be tricky without considering factors like location, time of year, guest preferences and service style. Let’s look at some average calculations to get you started.
- Wine: Plan for 1 bottle for every 3 attendees.
- Beer: Estimate 5 beers per person for guests who prefer beer.
- Champagne or Prosecco: 1 bottle for every 6 guests if it's just for a toast.
- Spirits: 1 bottle per 5 guests for a 3-hour open bar.
- After-party Drinks: On average, allow for 1.5 drinks per person per hour.
Essential Alcohol for your Wedding in Italy
While the choices are endless, certain drinks are wedding staples in Italy. Wine, both white and red, should take centre stage, especially. Then you’ve got the classic Aperol Spritz which is great for aperitivo, check out this article for more classic Italian cocktails to serve at your wedding in Italy. Tailor your selection to your guests' preferences, but feel free to add a touch of Italian style and traditions with it being a wedding in Italy.
Marta Ippolito Wedding Planner
Don't Forget the Bubbles!
Prosecco or Franciacorta ( Italy’s version of Champagne) is a must for the toast, and then spirits for the late-night party fun. Guests who like bubbles typically enjoy between one and five glasses throughout a wedding. Estimate generously, with an average of five glasses per person, though most won't exceed four. Any leftover bottles can become the start of your personal Italian wine collection as a married couple—a delightful bonus!
By following this guide, you'll ensure you’ll have enough alcohol for your wedding in Italy to get the celebration started… and finished at your wedding in Italy.. Here's to your wedding day toast in the ‘bel paese’. Salute!
