Notes on Corkage

Bringing in your own Champagne will usually cost less than using the champagne supplied by the venue, even with corkage.  But what is Corkage?

If you want champagne for a reception at a hotel, club, college or other outside venue, and if you wish to bring in your own Champagne, they will routinely expect to charge ‘Corkage’.  Their thinking is that if they had sold you their own champagne, they would have made a hefty mark up – often 100% or more.  Their corkage charge is to compensate for the loss of this mark up and is a charge for opening and serving the wine.  The rates charged can vary from £5 to over £20 per bottle.

	It will usually be possible to negotiate a favourable corkage rate, but it is preferable to do this before making the booking – the venue manager or caterer will be much more amenable if the booking depends on it.  You are less likely to get anywhere if you bring the matter up a month before the date of the party, when you have already agreed terms
If your party is at home or in hired premises, and you are using a caterer, again, you will need to have a clear understanding of the arrangements for providing and serving the wine and other drinks Either way, make sure that the arrangements you make are clearly agreed in writing beforehand