Choosing the wine to serve at your reception can often be a confusing and daunting task.
Usually the Reception venue will offer assistance in your selection and a wine tasting day should be organized so that you can taste the wines and this will help you make your final decision.
The first step in making your decision is to set your budget and decide what type of drinks will be served whether that be wine, beer or spirits or all of the above.
Placing jugs of iced water on the tables with help control the amount of drink being served and don't forget to have jugs of juice or cordial for the children on their tables.
Always set a limit on what you will spend. A good alternative is a drink package from the venue this way you will know up front what this will cost you and it is easier to set your budget.
It is customary on the arrival at the reception that your guests are offered a drink. Choices usually consist of beer, wine or champagne.
It is important to make sure that the wine chosen compliments the menu.
Red wine is usually served with red meats and white wine usually served with chicken or fish. However some lighter red wines can be used for certain dishes. Sweet wines or special dessert wines are a special way to accompany any desserts being served.
Champagne is usually used for the toasts at the reception. A good way of choosing a good quality champagne is to take note of the bubbles. A better champagne with have smaller and more plentiful bubbles that tend to last longer. Vintage champagnes are made with 100% of the grapes of bottling and non-vintage are made from blended grapes from over several years and do not have a date on the label. Pink or rose champagnes are a nice option too.
Chardonnay is a very light champagne and really suits a lunch or an afternoon reception.
Remember this is your special day so select the right wines that will compliment your menu.
Some points for your reception
Try to have wine poured by waiters
Do not leave wines sitting on table if only a couple at the table are drinking
Bring champagne out just before the speeches so no filling up of champagne is necessary.
