You’re hosting a reception this evening and have decided to elevate the moment with champagne? Excellent idea! But how can you estimate the number of champagne bottles you’ll need based on the number of guests and the type of event ?
Discover our tips to help you accurately plan the right quantities of champagne according to the number of people.
How many glasses can be served from a bottle of champagne?
To calculate accurately, you need to consider several factors: first, a standard bottle of champagne contains 75 cl; and second, a champagne glass typically holds between 10 and 12.5 cl.
We can therefore consider that a standard bottle of champagne serves 6 large glasses. Based on these quantities, you can easily calculate how many bottles of champagne to plan according to the number of guests.
If you choose a different bottle size (magnum, jeroboam, half-bottle), you can use the same calculation by dividing the total volume by 12.5 cl to determine the corresponding number of glasses.
How many champagne glasses per person?
For the aperitif, plan on an average of 2 glasses of champagne per person for hors d'oeuvres and cocktail bites.
For a lunch or dinner, adjust the number of glasses according to the number of courses served. For a starter-main-dessert format, you can plan 2 to 3 glasses of champagne per person to complement the various dishes offered.
For festive events such as cocktails and birthdays, it is important to consider the estimated duration of the event, the other beverages offered, and the practice of responsible consumption to accurately calculate your quantities.
To avoid running out, it’s always best to allow a little extra; plan for 2 to 3 additional bottles.
For example, if you are planning a reception with 20 guests:
For an aperitif, you will need approximately 8 bottles of champagne.
For a lunch or dinner, you will need approximately 10 bottles of champagne.
For a cocktail or birthday party, you will need approximately 15 bottles of champagne.
Play with different bottle sizes
Depending on the number of guests and the planned champagne bottles, you can also mix bottle sizes and formats to reduce quantities and create a surprising effect.
For example, for a cocktail with 20 guests, you can choose the classic 75 cl bottle, in which case you will need approximately 15 bottles of champagne; or you can opt for larger bottle formats, offering 7 magnums (equivalent to 14 bottles) or 4 jeroboams (equivalent to 16 bottles), particularly the magnum, which holds 2 standard bottles. You would then need 7 of them.
If you want to surprise your guests even more, you can even consider serving just one single bottle: the Balthazar, which holds the equivalent of 16 standard bottles of champagne. A remarkable format, though a slightly more complex service !
Discover the different champagne bottle sizes
Choosing the right glass to enhance the tasting experience
Choosing the right glass—whether a coupe or a flute—is also essential not only for accurately calculating the number of bottles needed but also for fully enjoying your champagne tasting and appreciating all its aromas. The glass capacity can indeed affect the number of servings you can pour.
Champagne flutes and coupes typically hold 10 to 12.5 cl, making them perfectly suited to the quantities mentioned earlier.
Wine glasses, often used for tasting, have a slightly larger capacity, around 15 cl, which equals 5 glasses per bottle compared to 6 for standard flutes.
Learn how to choose the right glass for enjoying champagne
Key Tips to Remember
Dinner cocktails, receptions, and wine hours often encourage higher alcohol consumption due to their format: guests are standing, moving around with their glasses, and nibbling on snacks. In contrast, during a seated meal, alcohol consumption is generally lower because it is more balanced with the courses and wine. It is essential to remain vigilant, practice responsible drinking, and always offer non-alcoholic alternatives to keep guests refreshed and limit their alcohol intake.
Finally, if you have leftover bottles after your event, make sure to store them properly until the next tasting opportunity. Keep them in a temperate, dark place, ideally in a cellar, to ensure optimal wine preservation. If you don’t have a cellar, return them to their original boxes and store them away from heat and light.
For opened bottles, seal them with an airtight stopper and place them in the refrigerator. We recommend consuming them within 24 hours to preserve the champagne’s effervescence. Forget the spoon in the neck trick—it does not effectively preserve champagne!
Discover the Champagne Canard‑Duchêne collection
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume responsibly.
