The Ultimate Guide to Buying Champagne for Your Event
When hosting an event, the choice of champagne can significantly impact the overall experience. How many bottles of champagne should you buy for an event where everyone will have two glasses each and the guests will be 40 to 50 people? This guide will help you navigate the best options and quantities.
Choosing the Right Champagne
Champagne, which must be made in the Champagne region of France, is often viewed as costly and unnecessary when there are great alternatives available. Two excellent options are Cava from Spain and Franciacorta from Italy. These champagne alternatives offer the same quality for a fraction of the price. For instance, Cava can be as good as Champagne for less than 20, while Crement d'Alsace can provide a fantastic taste for about 20.
It is crucial to avoid fake and inferior products, such as cheap California wines or the notorious Prosecco. These can detract from the quality of the event.
Calculating the Quantity Needed
A standard glass of champagne contains 5 to 6 ounces, while a bottle contains 24.5 ounces. Depending on the pour, that translates to 4 to 5 glasses per bottle. For 50 people, if everyone drinks alcohol, you should plan for 6-ounce pours, which equates to 300 ounces or 12 bottles. However, if some guests prefer non-alcoholic options, you can reduce the quantity needed.
To ensure you have enough champagne without overspending, consider ordering a case of 12 bottles. This not only ensures you have a sufficient supply but also might secure you a discount. An alternative option is to buy through mail order, which can be more cost-effective.
A Safe Recommendation
If you are hosting 50 people, it is generally recommended to have at least 50 bottles to ensure you don't run out. However, it's better to have more rather than less. Any surplus can be saved for later or returned to the merchant if you purchase it in bulk.
Sizing Up Your Budget
How many bottles of champagne you should buy ultimately depends on your budget. If you have a generous budget, visit a reputable liquor store and share your plans with the staff. They can provide a more accurate estimate based on your requirements. For those on a tighter budget, consider purchasing the 1.98 special champagne from your nearest dollar store. To impress your guests, I recommend having at least 40 bottles, ideally one for each person.
Remember that the number of bottles required can vary based on how many guests will be drinking. Some may consume more than two glasses due to personal preferences or other factors. Therefore, it's best to err on the side of caution and plan for at least one bottle per person.