Online ShopChoosing your reception drinks
Wine, wine and more wine.
Most good venues will offer a tasting session before you book so do take full advantage; it’s also worth asking an expert when it comes to choosing your wines as a well-chosen wine will compliment your food perfectly, whereas a badly chosen or cheap and cheerful ‘house wine’ may do the opposite. Corkage is the name given to the fee you are charged for bringing your own wine into a venue; think of it as a handling fee for uncorking, chilling and pouring. If your venue’s wines are very expensive or if you just don’t like them then bringing in your own wine could be the answer.
Buying your own wines in: tips for dealing with wine merchants.
There is no such thing as a free lunch, so when a wine merchant offers to take back what you don't drink, you are probably paying for it somewhere. You’re better off negotiating a good deal on the wine and then having plenty left over to look forward to after the wedding. It’s best to try before you buy so do order a selection of wines, perhaps get some friends together and taste your way through the wines before making a decision. Organic wines are worth the extra pennies if your budget will stretch as they’re produced without added chemicals or preservatives and thus may save you a hangover, unless you really go for it!
Wine inspired favours and thank you gift ideas.
Wine lovers these days can even give alcohol miniatures as favours with personalised labels for each of your guests to take home with them.
Your thank you gifts for best man, ushers and bridesmaids, or even your parents can be full-size personalised bottles of Champagne, whiskey or wine.
Finally, for true wine buffs why not add a case of your favourite tipple to your gift list or take out a wedding wine list and look forward to some romantic evenings in once you’re back from your honeymoon.
