Is It Worth Buying Wine for a Wedding in France? Full Guide & Savings
Why More Couples Are Choosing to Buy Wedding Wine in France
When planning a wedding reception, one of the biggest expenses is wedding wine. Many UK couples are now considering purchasing their wine in France, especially from Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, due to significant savings, duty-free benefits, and a superior selection of wines.
With duty-free allowances, a seamless VAT refund system, and free ferry or Eurotunnel travel offers, buying wedding wine in France is a fantastic way to cut costs while enjoying premium French wines. Whether you’re looking for champagne for toasts, red wine for the meal, or a cost-effective wedding wine package, we’ll show you exactly how much you can save and how to plan your purchase.
1. How Much Can You Save on Wedding Wine in France?
The cost of **wine for weddings** in the UK has risen sharply. Many couples find that purchasing **bottles of wine** in France is significantly cheaper. Here’s a price comparison:
| Wine Type | UK High Street Price (£) | Calais Wine Price (€) | Tax-Free Price (€) | Final Price in £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux Château Recougne Supérieur (Red Wine) | £10.99 | €7.95 | €6.76 | £5.57 |
| Champagne Laurent Perrier (Sparkling Wine) | £44.99 | €41.95 | €35.66 | £29.58 |
| Chablis Maurice Lecestre (White Wine) | £29.90 | €15.50 | €13.18 | £10.93 |
| Sancerre Domaine Roger Neveu (White Wine) | £19.00 | €16.50 | €14.03 | £11.64 |
✅ Up to 50% savings on key wedding wines!
2. A Wide Selection of Wedding Wines for Every Budget
Looking for the perfect wine selection for your big day? Browse our full wedding wine collection with over 200 hand-picked wines, from affordable options to premium bottles.
Champagne & Sparkling Wine – Iconic labels like Laurent Perrier, Moët & Chandon, or budget-friendly alternatives like Crémant de Bourgogne.
- Red & White Wines – From classic Bordeaux and Châteauneuf-du-Pape to fresh Sauvignon Blanc and Chablis.
- Boxed Wines (Cubis) – Ideal for large receptions, offering high-quality wine in a convenient format, from just €5 per liter.
Prices range from just €5 to €50 per bottle, ensuring there is a perfect match for every wedding budget.
alt="Price comparison of wedding wine in France vs UK" width="2134" height="1101" />
3. The Logistics: How to Easily Buy Wedding Wine in France
? Free Ferry & Eurotunnel Offers
One of the biggest concerns about buying wine abroad is the cost of travel. But what if your journey was free?
At Calais Vins & Olivier Vins, if you pre-order €300 or more, you get a free return ferry crossing. For €700+, you get a 3-day trip!
| Transport | Regular Price | With a Wine Pre-Order |
|---|---|---|
| P&O Ferry (Dover-Calais) | £80-£100 round-trip | FREE (with €300 pre-order) |
| Eurotunnel (Folkestone-Calais) | £120 round-trip | Discounted for bulk orders |
? Pro Tip:
4. How Much Wine Do You Need for a Wedding?
A common question for couples is: How many bottles of wine should we buy?
Here’s a quick guide based on guest count and typical consumption:
| Guest Count | Red Wine (Bottles) | White Wine (Bottles) | Sparkling/Champagne (Bottles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | 20-25 | 20-25 | 10-12 |
| 100 guests | 40-50 | 40-50 | 20-24 |
| 150 guests | 60-75 | 60-75 | 30-36 |
? Rule of Thumb:
- 1 bottle = 5 glasses
- Allow 2 glasses per person for the meal
- Toast: 1 glass of champagne per person
- A 50/50 split between red and white wine is ideal
? Need help choosing the perfect wines? The experts at Calais Vins will guide you to the best selections.
Combine your wine shopping with a romantic getaway! Visit Calais’ stunning beaches, enjoy fine dining, or explore local attractions such as the historic Château d'Hardelot or the scenic Opal Coast.
? Pre-order your wine now & travel for free!
? Turn Your Wine Trip Into a Mini Getaway
Many couples turn their **wine shopping trip** into a fun experience. Find out how to plan your **perfect wedding wine trip** in our Calais travel guide.
5. Real Wedding Wine Buyers Share Their Experience
Couples who bought **wedding reception wine** in France say they saved **hundreds of pounds** while enjoying a **better selection**.
"We saved £600 on **our wedding wine package** in Calais. The free ferry and duty-free savings made a huge difference!" – Sarah & James, London
"We combined **buying wine for our wedding** with a **romantic trip to France**. The savings were incredible!" – Emily & Mark, Manchester
6. Who Benefits Most from Buying Wedding Wine in France?
✅ Best for:
- Couples buying **a large amount of wine for a wedding**.
- Those looking for **reasonably priced wine**.
- People who want **French wine at a lower price**.
❌ Less Worthwhile for:
- Small weddings needing **less than 30 bottles**.
- Venues that charge **high corkage fees**.
Final Verdict: Is Buying Wine for a Wedding in France Worth It?
✅ YES! If you want **wedding wine deals** and **better pricing**.
✅ YES! If you want **duty-free discounts** on **red wine, white wine, and sparkling wine**.
✅ YES! If you love **French wine** and want a **wider selection**.
? Looking for **exclusive wedding wine selections**? Check out our wine expert reviews.
? Read our full wedding wine guide.
.jpg)
? Need advice? Contact Calais Vins today!