Service charge on top of food bill...is this normal?

I have never heard of this for a wedding before, only at restaurants and then I'm sure it is optional. I would check with them as surely it is optional.

If it's a hotel or a restaurant then I can believe this. We have a 10% service charge on ours too.

We have the same thing at the venue we are hoping to choose but are not happy with it. Our T&C's say its discretionary / optional but I'm not sure whether it is expected that we pay it. Its adds nearly £700 on to our costs as its on all food and drink but I'm hoping we can just not pay it - do people think that will be acceptable?

I think if its a hotel or restaurant its probably quite common. I know the restaurant I work in adds 10% for tables over about 15, But I dont think its fair to make it compulsary when your spending so much at a wedding! I would check with them and if it is optional I probably wouldnt pay it, but im tight! lol!

Thanks for your replies xxx

We are actually using an old brewery that has its own restaurant, but we will be in the function room above that. It doesn't mention it being optional but if it is we won't be paying it!! That would buy another round of drinks for everyone!

I hope it's not compulsory...

Us too (ours is also a hotel)

We have a 10% charge added, but have been told if we pay cash on certain things they won't charge us the service charge. They also said they don't charge VAT which a lot of places do. I thought it wasn't too bad, as I'd probably pay more per head at a restaurant and I would always tip 10%, so its kinda the same!