To be mildly annoyed that some pubs can’t get their head around the fact that even though this is a wedding I’m trying to book, it’s a small affair!

[SweetMarmalade]

I live in a lovely area with some stunning pubs.

I’m having the tiniest of weddings, want to head off to a local afterwards, handful of family coming along.

Manager of one lovely pub, ‘don’t really cater for weddings’doesn’t know what corkage is, thinks we’ll be pissed off dining with the ‘regulars’
Another pub in the area is far more accommodating and knows what they’re talking about but this young manager (and I’m not being ageist here) doesn’t seem to have a clue. Such a shame as the venue is stunning!
I wish I’d just asked to book a table and rock on up!

This ain’t no bridezilla but pubzilla! Why do people fall apart the minute you mention ‘wedding’!

Jesus this thread is bonkers.

I've booked tons of pubs for celebrations of all kinds and asked about tweaking the menu etc. especially for larger parties. It's normal. Corkage is not a big deal either for many places. It's not being rude or CFery - it's normal. You ask the Q, the pub says what they can or can't do, end of discussion.

Some of you lot are just nuts with your responses. Totally OTT.

bloody hell OP, how dare you want a simple meal as a reception?! Even worse, ask a dining establishment to provide meals?! I’m outraged.

Definitely don’t say it’s a wedding! Hope you get it all sorted and have a lovely day.

Jesus this thread makes me despair of mumsnetters' reading comprehension!

Good luck with your wedding, OP. It sounds lovely.

The way I look at it is if a pub is doing well and very busy then it doesn’t really make sense to ‘tweak’ the menu that the chef would have spent days writing. A pub would only be willing to meet your demands if they were desperate for the money. Corkage is usually only charged when the eatery does not have a license. To ask a venue that not only sells alcohol but uses it as a main sort of income is incredulous, put your hand in your pocket and buy from them.

@threatmatrix

That is simply not true. Regardless of whether it 'makes sense' or not.

I’m sorry but it is true. How many of you have run pubs?

To be fair OP you did say not even 20 guests. That could be 18 guests plus bride and groom. You didn’t specify.

You were a bit sarky with your love to @Cantwaitforsummer2020 - I don’t think you specified the number before that.

Anyway. Have a lovely day.

I wish I’d just asked to book a table and rock on up

That sounds your best bet. Also give them prior notice to get in a couple of bottles of bubbly that you can buy from them on the day.

Congratulations! Hope you have a lovely day 👰

spent over 20 years working in pubs hotels and restaurants. Corkage is fairly standard for bigger groups or if you like a particular brand no clue why the collective mumsnet knickers are getting on quite such a knot.

It’s a meal with your elderly parents so unlikely to be raucous, by having a set menu you make it easier not harder for the pub. Some would insist on this so not sure what the 2nd place is on, I suspect the manger just cannot be arsed...

If you really want this place can you package it that soup and roast beef is simple and easiest for great aunt Aggie and Geoff etc?

Also maybe ask price for specific booze and say we’d really like a few bottles of x, could they get it what would be their charge , will depend if it’s a free house or not. You give them the option rather than corkage but then they might be left with it...

Good luck and ignore the vinegar streaming through mumsnet today, it’s very tiresome...

A meal with elderly parents? Wha?