The Perfect Wedding Wine: Budget Friendly & Luxury Pairings That Wow!
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to serve bad wine at your wedding to stay on budget. You can absolutely find affordable wines that taste amazing and elevate your celebration. And if you’re ready to splurge a little, I’ve got mid-range and premium options your guests will be raving about long after the last toast.
In this guide, I’m sharing personal wine recommendations that pair perfectly with classic wedding dishes—from chicken and salmon to beef and vegetarian entrées, plus sparkling wines for toasts. You’ll also get serving tips, quantity guidelines, and advice on how to make your wedding wine both memorable and meaningful.
Let’s find the perfect wine for your big day—cheers to that!
Let’s Talk About Budget Wines for a Minute
Yes, you can absolutely serve good wine without blowing your entire wedding budget. In fact, there are great options for as little as $6 a bottle—and your guests may never know the difference.
Costco and Trader Joe’s are two of my go-to spots for budget-friendly gems (think: solid Cabs, Sauv Blancs, and even sparkling wines). Total Wine & More also offers bulk discounts that can make a big difference if you're stocking up for a larger guest list.
And let’s clear the air: boxed wine is not the enemy. Several of my favorite Costco finds come in both bottle and box versions—and the wine inside is identical. If you’re worried about presentation, grab a few stylish decanters and pour the wine in ahead of time. Your guests will assume it’s something fancy—and you’ll know you saved smart.
Grab this Decanter
A little strategy goes a long way—budget wines can still feel elevated when served well!
Budget Star: Espiral Vinho Verde - TRADER JOE'S
Crisp, slightly fizzy, and perfect for sipping in the sun, this under-$5 white wine from Trader Joe’s is one of my go-to wedding picks. It is low in alcohol and pairs with everything from appetizers to seafood and is light enough to enjoy all evening long.
Classic Wedding Entrées & Wine Pairings
Chicken (Herb-Roasted or Stuffed Chicken)
Best Pairing: A white wine with good acidity to balance herbs and sauces.
Budget-Friendly: 2023 Grower's Reserve Chardonnay- This Trader Joe's Chardonnay is a solid everyday sipper with a smooth, easy-drinking vibe. On the nose, you’ll catch hints of ripe apple, pear, and a touch of vanilla. The first sip brings soft citrus and stone fruit flavors, balanced with a light creaminess and just a whisper of oak. ($6)
Mid-Range: 2022 Pine Ridge Chenin-Blanc Viognier – Aromatic, slightly floral, with juicy stone fruit and a soft finish. A touch off-dry but beautifully balanced. Pick this up at Costco or Total Wine. ($13)
Premium: Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay 2023 - A refined French Chardonnay from the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, featuring notes of citrus and white flowers with a mineral finish. This can be found at Total Wine and More. ($30)
Why it works: Chicken is versatile, so pairing depends on preparation. Bright whites complement citrus or herb-based dishes, while a lightly oaked Chardonnay adds richness.
Salmon (Grilled)
Best Pairing: A white or light red with acidity and texture to balance the fish’s richness.
Budget-Friendly: Kirkland's Chardonnay (California) – On the palate, it leans into ripe pear and melon with subtle tropical fruit and a zesty lift of acidity. Not overly buttery. Great Costco find. ($8)
Mid-Range: Caliveda Pinot Noir (California) - Fruit-forward profile. Flavors of ripe red and black fruits, with undertones of vanilla and oak. The wine is generally smooth, with soft tannins and a medium body. Available at Total Wine and More. ($15.50)
Premium: Domaine Salmon Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc (France) - Hailing from the Loire Valley, this Sancerre exhibits floral and citrus aromas with a crisp, refreshing palate. Its vibrant acidity and minerality enhance the flavors of grilled salmon. Available at Total Wine and More. ($35)
Why it works: Salmon has a natural fattiness that pairs well with wines that have crisp acidity or a touch of creaminess.
TIP: If you are serving salmon with a cream sauce, consider one of the Chardonnay recommendations or the Pine Ridge Chenin-Blanc Viognier.
Beef (Filet Mignon, Prime Rib, Short Ribs)
Best Pairing: A structured red wine with tannins to complement the richness of the beef.
Budget-Friendly: Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon - A bold but approachable red with notes of blackberry, plum, and subtle spice. It’s a great pick for heartier wedding dishes like beef, lamb, or portobello mushrooms. Smooth tannins make it guest-friendly, even for those who don't usually drink red wine. Budget-friendly and reliable—especially for cooler weather or evening receptions. Save more money by buying the box version at Costco for ($15.59) which equals 4 BOTLLES!
Mid-Range: Michael David Petite Petit Sirah (California) – Sich flavors of ripe dark fruits, including blackberry compote and black cherry, complemented by spicy and smoky nuances. The texture is full-bodied with firm, grippy tannins. Available at Total Wine and More. ($14)
Premium: 2020 Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa) - Fruit forward with flavors of ripe blackberries and dark cherries.The tannins are smooth with a long finish. Available at Total Wine and More. ($38)
Why it works: Tannins in red wine help cut through the fat in beef, balancing flavors beautifully.
Vegetarian Options (Mushroom Risotto, Eggplant Parmesan, Butternut Squash Ravioli)
Best Pairing: A light-to-medium red or rich white, depending on the dish.
- Budget-Friendly: 2023 Grower's Reserve Chardonnay- This Trader Joe's Chardonnay is a solid everyday sipper with a smooth, easy-drinking vibe. On the nose, you’ll catch hints of ripe apple, pear, and a touch of vanilla. The first sip brings soft citrus and stone fruit flavors, balanced with a light creaminess and just a whisper of oak. ($6)
Mid-Range: Caliveda Pinot Noir (California) - Fruit-forward profile. Flavors of ripe red and black fruits, with undertones of vanilla and oak. The wine is generally smooth, with soft tannins and a medium body. Available at Total Wine and More. ($15.50)
Premium: Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay 2023 - A refined French Chardonnay from the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, featuring notes of citrus and white flowers with a mineral finish. This can be found at Total Wine and More. ($30)
Why it works: Earthy flavors in vegetarian dishes match well with Pinot Noir’s subtle earthiness and bright acidity while a good Chardonnay will pair with the creamy texture of ravioli and eggplant.
Sparkling Wine for Toasts 🥂
Best Pairing: A celebratory wine with lively bubbles!
Budget Friendly: Kirkland Signature Prosecco- Bright, bubbly, and subtly sweet, this Prosecco is made in Italy and brings notes of green apple, citrus, and white flowers. Perfect for toasts, welcome drinks, or pairing with light apps and desserts. It’s festive, wallet-friendly, and tastes far more expensive than it is—ideal for a celebratory vibe on a budget. Add a personal wine label over it and no one will know it’s from Costco! ($7)
Mid-Range: La Marca Prosecco (Italy) – Crisp, fruity, and perfect for toasts. Grab at Total Wine and More. ($13.50)
Top 5 Things You Need for Your Wedding & Wine
Serving great wine is just the beginning—having the right tools on hand makes everything smoother and more stylish. Whether you’re hosting an intimate backyard wedding or a grand ballroom celebration, these five wine essentials will keep your wine flowing (and your guests impressed).
Bonus: I’ve linked my favorite picks for each—for your big day.
1. Electric Wine Opener
Let’s be real—no one wants to wrestle with a corkscrew mid-reception. An electric wine opener saves time, avoids broken corks, and adds a sleek touch to your bar setup.
2. Oversized Wine Chiller Bowl
Keep your whites, rosés, and bubbly ice-cold all night long with a large wine chiller bowl. It’s perfect for self-serve bars and looks gorgeous on display with some greenery or flowers around it.
3. Wine Glasses (Glass & Plastic Options)
Stock both real glassware for the toast and VIP tables and durable plastic stemware for the dance floor and cocktail hour. Trust me—your guests will appreciate the upgrade from basic cups.
4. Wine Bottle Stopper
Open a bottle and not finishing it right away? A vacuum-style wine stopper keeps oxygen out and preserves the wine’s flavor for longer—essential for both reds and whites.
5. Kloveo Champagne Stopper (My Favorite!)
This is a must-have if you’re serving sparkling wine or Champagne. The Kloveo Champagne Stopper is hands-down the best I’ve found—it keeps bubbles fresh for days, locks tightly, and works like a charm.
Kloveo champagne stopper Save 10%! As an affiliate I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!
How Much Wine to Buy for a 100 Person Wedding? 🍷
Estimate: ½ bottle per guest (or 1 glass per guest per hour).
Breakdown for 100 guests:
25 bottles of sparkling (for toasts)
35 bottles of white
40 bottles of red
Pro Tip: If your crowd is wine-loving, consider adding extra rosé as a versatile in-between option!
Serving Tips & Glassware 🥂
Temperature Matters:
Sparkling: 40–45°F
Whites: 45–50°F
Reds: 55–65°F
Dessert Wines: Slightly chilled
Glassware Hacks:
Universal wine glasses work if you’re simplifying.
Separate glasses for reds, whites, and sparkling for an elegant touch.
Making Your Wedding Wine Personal 💕
Choose wines from meaningful locations (where you met, got engaged, or traveled).
Feature a signature wine cocktail for cocktail hour.
Check out Etsy and have personalized labels designed for your bottles.
Add a wine pairing menu card for a unique touch.
Cheers to Your Perfect Pairing
I hope this guide helped you feel more confident in selecting the best wine pairings for your special day—whether you’re going full glam or keeping things beautifully simple. Great wine doesn’t have to break the bank, and with a little planning, it can be one of the most memorable parts of your celebration.
I’d love to hear from you! Share what wines you’re planning to serve—or already served—at your wedding in the comments below. Your ideas might inspire another bride or groom!
And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @mywinewalk for more wine pairings, wedding tips, and everyday sips worth celebrating.
Cheers to love, laughter, and really good wine!
Be sure and check out my post on the best wines to pair with your next BBQ!
#Wedding #Wine #WineParing #RedWine #WhiteWine #WeddingWine #Bride #Groom
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