I’m a wine expert and here’s why you should ditch the champagne at your wedding

For many brides and grooms, reception speeches can often be the highlight of a wedding day.

But an expert has now revealed why you shouldn’t toast with champagne — and opt for a more affordable option instead.

Sam Caporn, Mistress of Wine at Aldi, said choosing a fizzy alternative could be less “pricey” for couples celebrating their big day.

She told FEMAIL that future brides and grooms should consider Crémant, saying: “It’s made in the same style, using the same methods, so few people notice the difference, especially since the bubbles are often pre-poured or obscured by a white napkin .’

Elsewhere, she also shared nine other do’s and don’ts for your big day…

1. Make sure the staff know how to serve the wine

Heavy deposits equal a heavy bill! Make sure staff have a clear understanding of how to serve the wine so that temperature and number of bottles are kept under control.

For example, smaller pours prevent wine from heating up and also help reduce waste.

Also, consider serving wine with screw caps, especially for larger weddings, as this makes it much easier for staff to open.

2. Drink half a bottle of wine per person on average

This is generally a good rule of thumb. If 120 people come to your reception, that’s 60 bottles of wine.

However, if in doubt, overorder. You don’t want to run out of wine.

3. Include your wedding theme

Aligning the theme and the wine is a great way to set the tone for the big day. For example, if you’re going for a vintage theme, consider something timeless and classic like a Sancerre, while a solid French red, such as wines from the Languedoc, would be a good choice for a rustic theme.

4. Don’t forget rosé

Rosé wine is definitely having a moment and should not be missing from any wedding wine menu.

It’s fun, looks great in photos, and feels very festive, especially if you’re having a summer or outdoor wedding.

It also combines well with a lot of food.

Just make sure it is well chilled before serving.

5. Don’t think about it too much

Don’t make picking the wine more difficult than it needs to be! For example, just because you got engaged in Greece doesn’t mean you just have to pour Greek wine!

Many couples spend too much time thinking about what the guests want, but at the end of the day, it’s your wedding.

Buy what you want, and everyone will find something to enjoy.

6. Don’t try to match it with the food

This is a common mistake when guests actually prefer to stick to one wine.

Since the meal is only part of the wedding, it is better to choose wines that are easy to drink, i.e. not too woody or acidic, not too tannic or too rich.

7. Match the wine to the season

Whether it’s a relaxed outdoor summer gathering or an elegant indoor winter wedding, the season can dramatically change the wine to be served.

For a winter wedding, choose easy-drinking but powerful red wines such as a Shiraz or Malbec. I would recommend red to white wines in a 60:40 ratio. While for summer weddings you introduce rosé into the mix (30:30 rosé for white wines).

8.Ddo not splash out unnecessarily

Focus on good quality but good value favourites, rather than expensive, premium bottles.

The style of wines such as Premier Crus is often not to everyone’s taste, so focus on more accessible wines.

9. Don’t forget the non-drinkers

Whether you’re a designated driver, pregnant, abstaining, or just prefer not to drink alcohol, having fun no- or low-alcohol options will keep everyone involved.