For better or worse, wedding season is officially upon us. And it seems like this year it's coming in hotter than usual, given the otherwise dormant wedding season last year. Weddings are equally as fun as they are stressful, no matter your stake in the game. If you're a casual wedding guest who hasn't spoken to the couple in years, you're faced with the dilemma of what gift to give them. If you're the plus one, you're thrown into one of the most strenuous social situations, forced to make small talk for an entire evening. And of course, if you are the bride or groom...we all know that wedding planning isn't exactly a walk in the park.
Luckily, most weddings are packed with alcohol, and I'm here to help you navigate the perfect wine to pair with your position at any upcoming wedding that's on your agenda. Cheers to the happy couple! But more importantly, cheers to the wine in my glass.
If you are the Maid of Honor
Treat yourself and have fun, but also keep it in check. Maybe wait until after you give the speech to start goin' crazy. For this reason, I recommend a Riesling to start your day off, and a Sauvignon Blanc once the party gets going. Riesling is lower in alcohol (typically in the 10% range), and contains a nice touch of sweetness. Given its low alcohol percentage, you won't run the risk of getting too lit and sobbing into the microphone as you blab on about all the good times you guys had together in college. But once that nerve-wracking speech is over, you can switch to something a little higher in alcohol (this is where the Sauvignon Blanc comes in), without switching wine colors. Whenever I switch between red and white wine throughout the night, I always get a huge headache the next morning, and I don't think your best friend's wedding is something you would not want to remember.
If you are the Plus One
Go nuts! Who cares? Especially if you don't know anyone there, there isn't going to be anyone that you're trying to impress. This is a time where you can have fun and walk away virtually unscathed. As long as you aren't an obnoxious drinker and won't ruin the couple's first dance or something embarrassing like that, feel free to indulge. A fun, "treat yourself" wine that I like to enjoy is Vinho Verde, Chianti, or Oregon Pinot Noir. But also, since most weddings aren't "Erin's Dream Wine Lineup," those may not be available. If that's the case, just go with the wine that is highest in alcohol, and try not to spill it as you let loose on the dancefloor.
If your Younger Sister is the Bride
Girl, keep it together. This can be a particularly emotional time for you, especially if she's tying the knot before you are. Either way, it can be a sensitive time watching your sister grow up and marry the man or woman of her dreams. So this will definitely be a night to remember, and it's easy to get carried away. But let's tone it down because all of your nosy family members will have their eyes on you, gauging your reaction and low-key hoping for some drama. This is why I suggest pairing your night with a glass of Champagne. It's classy, elegant, and appropriately celebratory. It will also pair well with anything you eat since it has a fairly neutral taste palette.
If you are the Bride
Whatever. You. Want. You just spent months planning the perfect day, deciding on the best flowers, hunting for the right dress, and dealing with all the strong personalities in your family. You may have even had to cancel this wedding once or twice. You deserve to treat yourself, have some wine with friends, family, and the love of your life. To start off the night, I would suggest your favorite glass of red. This is likely the only time during the reception that things are calm, and you won't risk spilling a glass of red wine all over your white dress. I would avoid Malbec because the deep purple color of the wine will turn your teeth red after one glass. Once the reception is in full swing, switch over to a light, fun, easy-drinking wine like Pinot Grigio, and have the night of your life!
What's your go-to wine to drink during wedding season? Let me know in the comments below!
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