What is a Corkage Fee at a Wedding?

If you've been excitedly browsing wedding venues looking for the perfect place to host your big day, you've probably come across the term "corkage fee" a few times. While you might have encountered corkage in other contexts, such as at a restaurant, the corkage fee definition concerning weddings is slightly different, and the costs are certainly higher.

So, what exactly is a corkage fee at a wedding?

What Are Corkage Fees at Weddings?

A corkage fee is a service charge that some venues will charge if you bring your own alcohol instead of buying it from them. So, if you're planning on providing your own wine, beer, Champagne, or prosecco for your wedding, you may be asked to pay a corkage fee to have it served at your wedding.

If you're wondering where the fee comes from, it covers the costs of storing your bottles, using the wedding venue's glassware, bottle disposal, and staff. As these costs can quickly add up for a venue, corkage fees are usually fairly steep, often catching couples off-guard.

How Much Are Wedding Corkage Fees?

Corkage fees vary dramatically from venue to venue. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from €5 to €25 per bottle of wine, with some venues charging more than €30 per bottle for beverages such as Champagne and prosecco.

As mentioned, these fees are intentionally steep to cover the significant extra work that goes into dealing with outside alcohol. In addition, some venues see corkage fees as a way to discourage couples from bringing their own drinks and encourage them to buy alcohol from the venue instead.

While corkage fees can be expensive, there are a few ways to avoid them. First, you could choose a venue that doesn't charge corkage fees for supplying your own alcohol. Alternatively, you could opt for a dry-hire venue where you only rent the space and don't buy any services from them, leaving you free to bring in your own alcohol without being charged a corkage fee.

You could also try negotiating with your venue to see if they're willing to waive the corkage fee or lower it to a more reasonable amount. While this isn't always possible, it's definitely worth asking about.

Should I Supply My Own Wine and Prosecco, or Should I Buy It from the Venue?

If you're trying to keep costs down, supplying your own wine, Champagne, or prosecco is definitely the more expensive option if your desired venue charges corkage. Not only will you have to purchase all the alcohol, but you'll also be charged a corkage fee for each bottle.

However, it's important to remember that you will have complete control over the quality of the alcohol you serve at your wedding if you provide it yourself. If you're particular about the wine or Champagne you serve, supplying your own may be the best option, even if it costs a bit more.

Additionally, some venues will only allow you to bring in a limited amount of alcohol, so be sure to check with your chosen venue before making any final decisions.

If you're not too bothered about the specific wine or other alcoholic beverages served at your wedding, then buying it from the venue is probably the best option. Not only will this save you money on corkage fees, but it will also be one less thing for you to worry about in the lead-up to your big day.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to supply your own alcohol or buy it from the venue is up to you. Just be sure to factor in any potential corkage fees when making your decision.