＼Dresses, Favors, Photographers Too!／ Why Are the Costs So High? An Explanation of Why Wedding Venues Charge "Import Fees"＊

2016.05.24 published

Higher than the initial estimate! What exactly is the expensive 【Corkage Fee】?

When deciding on a wedding venue, you usually get an estimate, right? But that's only the cost if you use everything from the venue's partnered vendors or within the plan. If you don't ask about the 【Corkage Fee】 in advance, you might be shocked when you see the invoice and think, "Wait! Is it really this expensive?!"

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Additionally, there might be a case where there's a dress you've always dreamed of wearing, one you decided on long before your wedding, but you can’t wear it because you chose a venue that doesn't allow outside dresses...

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In this article, I will explain what 【Corkage Fee】 is and why it is charged.

Let's Learn About 【Corkage Fee】 ① What is Corkage Fee? It's a "Storage Fee"＊

The corkage fee is incurred when you choose a dress from a shop that is not affiliated with the wedding venue. Especially for dresses, the venue takes on the risk of "responsibly storing" them, so it charges the bride and groom a "storage fee." Also, even if the items brought in are not the venue's, preparation and arrangement at the venue is necessary. The associated labor costs are included in the corkage fee as well. When you think about it this way, it makes sense, doesn't it?＊

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Let's Learn About 【Corkage Fee】 ② Corkage Fee can be applied to unexpected items＊

People often think that corkage fees only apply to dresses, but they can also be charged for unexpected items. For example, small gifts. Almost everything prepared by the couple incurs a corkage fee.

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Additionally, if you use DIY items for decoration, such as initials or candles, there is a high likelihood that a corkage fee will apply. It's understandable to accept a "storage fee" for a dress, but it's surprising to think that corkage fees can apply to unexpected items as well.

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In fact, the venues receive "brokerage fees" from their partnered vendors, so if they don't charge corkage fees, they would run at a loss. Therefore, they have no choice but to charge significant amounts for corkage fees.

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Let's Learn About 【Corkage Fee】 ③ Ask About Corkage Fees Before Signing the Contract!

There are cases where couples regret discovering that, although they tried to save costs with DIY or searching for inexpensive dresses, the total corkage fees came close to 200,000 yen! Bringing in hair and makeup artists or photographers can cost an additional 50,000 yen per person.

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To avoid being surprised later with "Wait, does it really come to this much?", be sure to ask the venue about the corkage fees before signing the contract. It's essential to ask, "Please tell me everything that incurs a corkage fee," not just concerning the dress. ♡ If the fees are too high, consider negotiating before the contract is signed.＊

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Let's Learn About 【Corkage Fee】 ④ Some Vendors May Cover the Corkage Fee for You＊

Some dress shops may indeed cover the corkage fee. However, the terms differ by vendor, so confirm whether they will "cover all of the corkage fees," whether they will "cover up to a certain amount," or if "they will not cover any corkage fees." ❤️

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If You Underestimate the 【Corkage Fee】, It Could Lead to Serious Problems! It's Important to Review Thoroughly!

If you decide on venues or vendors without considering the corkage fees, you may exceed your budget by tens of thousands! There have also been many cases where troubles arose because couples didn't check the 【Corkage Fee】 properly. Thus, be sure to confirm with the venue and the vendors. ♡

To avoid any distress later, check the 【Corkage Fee】 before signing any contracts with the venue or vendors! This is essential. ♩ Since it’s your special day, may you have a wedding without any troubles... ♩

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