Alcohol for my wedding

[jacks09]

I'm putting together a spreadsheet and trying to work out the best way to but the alcohol for my wedding. I want to supply it all to my guests and we are having the reception at a venue that doesn't charge corkage. I have worked out my requirements and am pulling all the prices from major supermarkets and wholesalers. I also want to do a recce to Calais to see if there are any savings to be made doing it that way.

Does the personal limit on bringing booze back count per vehicle or per person? If I hired a van and took a friend would we be able to bring double the amount back?

Has anyone recently been to Calais? Once you ahve added in ferry costs and van rental does it work out any cheaper?

[Lowlander]

There is no limit on what you can bring back as long as it's for personal use or if you plan to give it away.

HMRC do give advisory limits (i.e. if you bring more than the advisory limit they may ask you questions)

https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-eu-countries

[jacks09]

That's fantastic advice thank you.

[OD]

Hello,

Try these people www.pidou.com Its a wine warehouse in Calais very close to the port, but they do sell all types of drinks, you should get everything you need. I've been the last 2 years on a day trip to stock up for Christmas!!! Prices and exchange rate are very competitive to me.

They have offers that pay for the crossing if you buy ?300 on a pre-order of alcohol.

Hope that helps... and Congrats!!

[Help-Ma-Boab]

Majestic pretty good. Deliver to venue. Sale or return on unopened bottle's and have some pretty good rolling deals.

[GroveLaneMan]

Once upon a time a trip to Calais was a good option for buying in bulk for a wedding but now I'm not so sure . The bigger wine merchants will do very good deals on some very good wines . Always give Majestic a shout . They're very good on advice and food pairings etc especially if you get a really knowledgeable member of staff . HOWEVER the trip to Calais will uncover bargains and when I did it with my groomsmen it was a corking day out ! Good luck

[jacks09]

Thanks all @GroveLaneMan - a good day out may be impacting my decision somewhat!

[KrackersMaracas]

Hi jacks - is the venue London based? Interested to know if you have found a "dry" venue that lets you bring your own!

[jacks09]

No , West Sussex....the Hyde estate

[KrackersMaracas]

Still close! Thanks for letting me know and good luck bringing back a van of vin!