Essential Knowledge for Realizing Your Preferences! Types of Items Subject to "Corkage Fees" and Their Average Costs

2020.04.01 published

Items with Bring-In Fees: Check the Market Price＊

A bring-in fee is the cost associated with bringing and using items that you prepare yourself at the venue.

You might initially think, "What?! I'm just using something I bought, why does it cost money??" However, because preparation requires time and space—whether it's for storage beforehand or setting up on the wedding day—a "bring-in fee" applies, even if the items were purchased elsewhere.

The amount of the bring-in fee varies by venue, so let’s review items that incite a bring-in fee and the typical market prices to plan wisely＊

Knowledge of Bring-In Fees ① Dresses: 50,000 to 100,000 yen per dress

If you rent or buy a dress from a shop that is not affiliated with the venue and bring it on your wedding day, the bring-in fee typically ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 yen per dress.

Tuxedos are generally a bit cheaper, often costing around 20,000 to 70,000 yen.

If you have specific preferences for dresses or tuxedos, it’s a good idea to check in advance if your desired dresses are available at the venue's partner dress shops.

Also, sometimes they will order a dress that is not in stock! Even if the dress shop doesn’t have it, it’s worth asking if they can acquire it◎

(Renting from an affiliated dress shop often comes with benefits.)

For self-purchased wedding dresses or color dresses (not rentals), there are cases where there is no bring-in fee. Some dress shops may also partially cover the bring-in fee＊

Traditional attire like Shiromuku or Gown, and Hakama also incur bring-in fees. The typical price is often the same as for dresses, approximately 50,000 to 100,000 yen.

However, it's common for items that have been worn by parents or traditional bridal attire passed down through generations to not incur a fee. Check with the wedding venue in advance about this as well◎

@s.e.0805.wedding

Knowledge of Bring-In Fees ② Paper Items: 100 to 150 yen per item

Paper items are attractive for their ability to be economical and original＊ Items such as invitations, menus, and profile books can be printed at home, saving costs, but there may be a bring-in fee of around 100 to 150 yen per item.

The bring-in fee for paper items also includes setting-up costs, so it is charged per item. When budgeting costs, calculate the bring-in fee × number of guests.

However, even if the bring-in fee is incurred, if you are spending 500 to 800 yen to buy paper items, the difference will definitely lead to savings.

@ke__wedding

Knowledge of Bring-In Fees ③ Bouquets: 3,000 to 5,000 yen each

Recently, more venues are starting to offer free bouquet bring-in fees＊ If there is a fee, the typical fee is under 5,000 yen＊ It is generally not allowed to bring in venue decoration flowers, such as main table or guest table arrangements.

However, flowers for parents' gifts or bouquets for tossing are usually free of charge.

@s.notredame.wedding

Knowledge of Bring-In Fees ④ Return Gifts and Confectionaries: 300 to 500 yen each

Many brides want to be particular about return gifts and confectionaries. The typical bring-in fee for these items is 300 to 500 yen each, which, similar to paper items, can add up if there are many guests.

Some gift shops absorb the bring-in fee, so make a wise choice in this regard＊

Recently, many brides are using return gift delivery services to send items directly to guests' homes♩

Return gift delivery often incurs no bring-in fees, but some wedding venues may charge a bring-in fee for leaving cards for delivery, so double-check this information◎

Knowledge of Bring-In Fees ⑤ Petit Gifts: 100 to 300 yen each

Some brides bring in petit gifts to give handmade items or include letters, or gifts reflecting their shared memories.

There might be no fee or it could be 100 to 300 yen for each petit gift.

Even with bringing them in, check with your planner in advance if they will provide baskets for transport＊

@0212wedding_yk

Knowledge of Bring-In Fees ⑥ Cake: Generally not allowed to bring in

From a hygiene perspective, most venues prohibit the bringing in of food. However, popular restaurants or dining bars for after parties may allow it, so save your original wedding cake for the after party＊

@s.notredame.wedding

Knowledge of Bring-In Fees ⑦ Hair and Makeup: 50,000 to 100,000 yen

The general bring-in fee for outsourcing hair and makeup to a trusted salon or your ideal stylist, rather than using the venue's stylist, ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 yen.

If you are unable to use the salon attached to the venue, you will need to rent a room for setting up, for which you should be aware of the costs. Check thoroughly for the room's location, size, furnishings, and lighting＊

For hotel weddings, it is sometimes possible to get ready in the room you are staying in◎

Moreover, even if you have a trusted hair and makeup artist, the wedding is a special occasion that often presents many unique circumstances. Make sure to conduct detailed meetings regarding the arrangements＊ If they are unfamiliar with the flow of the ceremony, any troubles that arise may not be managed properly and could disrupt the proceeding of the ceremony.

Many brides who outsource hair and makeup still request the venue staff for assistance on the day＊

@nishi_wd

Knowledge of Bring-In Fees ⑧ Photographer: 50,000 to 100,000 yen

If you want to hire a trusted photographer, a bring-in fee will apply. Some brides hire two photographers. Many venues have conditions such as "outside photographers cannot capture moments during the ceremony" or "they cannot ascend the altar," so be sure to list and check the scenes you want to photograph.

Extensively check if an outside photographer can capture preparation scenes, which is often restricted.

@mikiting_wd

What Items Have No Bring-In Fee?

So, what items typically do not incur a bring-in fee?

Generally, items used during the ceremony or reception and decorative items often do not incur a fee. Also, items worn by the bride and groom, aside from the dress and tuxedo, usually do not incur a fee.

Examples of items that generally do not incur a bring-in fee include＊

☑ Items for the welcome space (welcome board, welcome doll, etc.)

☑ Items for the photo booth and photography props

☑ Items used in performances (quiz about dress colors, fruit liquor making items, etc.)

☑ Video-related items (opening movie, profile movie, end roll, etc.)

☑ Ring pillow

☑ Marriage certificate

☑ Guestbook

☑ Reception sign

☑ Table numbers

☑ Items other than flowers for guest tables

☑ Gifts for parents

☑ Bridal shoes

☑ Bridal accessories

While there may be no bring-in fee, there might be restrictions (e.g., a limit of two large paper bag's worth of items for the welcome space), so confirming in advance is reassuring◎

@matsueri118_jasmine

It’s Important to Clearly Ask About Bring-In Fees in Advance＊

During venue selection, it’s crucial to confirm whether the items and conditions you prefer are available＊

If they are not available, it's important to ask whether bringing in items from outside is allowed, the amount of any bring-in fees, and the conditions for bringing items—ask detailed questions! Plan wisely to ensure a satisfactory arrangement♡

@asack_wedding