Many couples use a wine and champagne merchant for their wedding drinks.

Hired venues may insist on supplying the wine, or charge corkage. Check corkage fees beforehand.

Wine companies and venues will provide a tasting service so the couple can carefully choose wines to accompany the food and for the bar.

The supplier's returns policy must be checked; caterers should not open all bottles in advance in case they are not all needed.

The staff should be informed of the type of wines being served so that they are prepared if guests enquire as to what they are drinking.

As a general rule, allow half a bottle of champagne per person at the pre-meal drinks, plus one glass for the speeches.

Allow one bottle of wine and one litre of water per person for the meal.

Allow for further supplies at the bar after the meal; quantities of wedding drinks depend on the age group of the guests and hours of the reception.

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