BYO Wedding Venue Christchurch – Save Money & Personalise Your Celebration
Weddings are magical, but let’s be honest — they can also be expensive! One area where costs can add up fast is beverages. Choosing a BYO wedding venue like Waipuna Estate in Christchurch is not only a fantastic way to save money, but it also gives you the freedom to tailor your drinks menu to suit your personality, theme, and budget.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of BYO at your wedding — plus some expert tips from our team at Waipuna.
Photo credit: George & Jane Photography
How Much Should You Buy?
It’s one of the most common questions we hear — and the answer is, it depends! Your budget will guide your choices, but you’ll also want to consider your guests’ preferences and the length of your celebration.
A good starting point? One drink per guest, per hour. You can adjust this up or down depending on your crowd (keeping in mind some guests will be driving or prefer non-alcoholic options).
Pro Tip: We’ve taken the guesswork out of this with our Ultimate Beverage Planner — a handy tool for just $29 that calculates exactly what you need. It’s the perfect planning shortcut for couples who want to get it right without overbuying.
Photo credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography
What Should You Serve?
Keep it simple — you’re not running a restaurant wine list!
Wine: Two or three varieties of white or rosé and one red is plenty.
Beer: Two to three styles (or go big on craft beer if that’s your thing).
Bubbles: Always popular for toasts.
Cider: A crowd-pleaser, with options at all price points.
Spirits: Not essential, but if you’d like them, save them for later in the evening or offer a signature cocktail.
Non-alcoholic drinks: These are a must — think sparkling water, juices, or fun mocktails.
When to Serve?
Many couples opt for bubbles, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks pre-dinner, then switch to wine during the meal. This helps keep the budget in check while still offering variety.
Where to Buy?
Supermarkets: Great for stocking up slowly and catching specials.
Liquor stores: Many offer returns on unopened bottles — a great budget-saver. You can’t go past our absolute favourites at Liquorland Wigram - who will throw in free delivery!
Local wine merchants: We recommend Wine Divine in Rolleston — they offer pre-wedding tastings, expert advice, and even delivery!
Waipuna Estate’s BYO Bonus
We make your BYO experience seamless:
No corkage fees (yes, really!).
Plenty of fridge space to keep drinks chilled.
All glassware provided.
Drinking water and ice supplied.
And yes — while we’re a BYO venue, we take host responsibility seriously. You’ll need dedicated bar staff, and we ensure your guests enjoy themselves safely.
Photo credit: George & Jane Photography
In Short
A BYO wedding venue gives you control, flexibility, and a chance to put your unique stamp on your big day — all while saving money. And with our facilities and experience, you can relax knowing every detail is handled.
💡 Ready to plan your drinks with ease? Grab our Ultimate Beverage Planner and make sure your wedding bar is perfectly stocked.
Download our wedding information pack here or arrange a viewing!