Hi Paul and Charles,

I know what you mean about wedding venue corkage charges. It’s such a bloody swindle.

But there are loads of venues that don’t charge corkage. If you rent out a marquee/tent/yurt or whatever then you don’t have to pay corkage. If you have the reception at home, or at a mate’s pub/club/barn/warehouse, the same applies. Town and village halls are another possibility. Posh wedding venues aren’t the only option.

Even those that say they charge corkage are often willing to negotiate or accept a small lump sum instead of charging by the bottle. And if they are pushing Blossom Hill White for £20 a bottle, you’d still be better off paying £13 corkage and bringing in a bottle of False Bay Chenin for £7.

There are loads of option if you’re on a budget, you just need to get creative.

M

Is there a single venue which doesn’t foist their own poor and overpriced choice of wines on to parties?

I suppose if you’ve got your own marquee or something you can serve whatever you like, but every indoor venue, and certainly all of those in Britain with a licence to marry, will insist on their own catering packages – and that includes wine.

If you DO insist on providing your own, they will impose swingeing corkage – we’re talking £10 to £15 PER BOTTLE!! Which bumps up your suggestions to an absurd cost.

So basically, you’re addressing only those rich enough to be able to host a wedding on their own premises.

Which ain’t us.

The Sediment Blog