Wedding party 5 of 5

March’s march through wedding party and big party wine madness concludes with strategies and hints.

• At hectic party, wedding or otherwise, there is not much difference between a good $8-plus bottle of wine and $25-plus bottle. There is, however, a difference between cheap box wine and an $8-plus bottle. If you can afford it, stepping up makes your party more memorable.

• After the party, round up unopened bottles. Serve the extra wine at a post-honeymoon party where you show honeymoon photos and tell your friends about everything that happened. Okay, maybe not everything.

• Extra bottles make great gifts to people in your wedding party. Wrap them up, add a thank you note, give to those who helped make your party a success.

• A registry at a wine or liquor store helps guests know which wines you like, especially more expensive wines you would appreciate as a gift. You don’t have to be specific, just list the general types you enjoy, or let the givers expand your palate. Personnel at better shops can recommend something that can surprise and delight you.

• Consider this romantic gift to yourselves or, if you are a family member or guest, to the couple: a half-case or case of wine that can age. Store in a cool, dark place. Each anniversary, open one bottle. It will help you remember your event.

Wine has helped make weddings wonderful for thousands of years. It can do same for yours.

Recommended:

• Dom Perignon. Legendary marriage deserves legendary Champaign. $203

• Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. Classic big California Cab. $75 to $140.

• Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs. Complex, happy, heady Champagne. $87

• Seewinkler Trockenbeerenauslese. Made from ripest, rarest grapes, ultra rich, can age for decades. Germany, 375 ml. $42

• Tommasi Amarone. Three years in oak and at least one in bottle before they even think about selling this dark, intense, smooth blend. Italy. $81

• Roques Encruzado. Portugal. Brilliant gold color; economy version of white Burgundy; give six. $18