Hidden Costs that can Ruin your Wedding Budget
Unless you’ve been saving for your wedding since you were a child or have a bottomless wallet, you’re probably a bit stressed about paying for your wedding. We understand how expensive it can be! It’s important to have an idea of what you want to spend on each aspect from the beginning and do your best to stick to that wedding budget. Along the way, you may discover there are some hidden costs you didn’t account for. Check out our list of the most common hidden costs so you’re prepared.
Alterations
Your wedding dress budget shouldn’t just include the purchase of your dress. Alterations can cost between $300 and $500, so it’s important to go into your appointment with a budget of how much you intend to spend in total – alterations and all. Give your consultant a number a few hundred dollars less than your actual budget. This will ensure that she pulls dresses in a range that will keep you in budget once your alterations are made.
Undergarments and Accessories
Along with alterations, you should include the cost of undergarments and your accessories in your wedding budget. Though you probably have lingerie for the night of your wedding – or will get some at your bachelorette party – you’ll need to consider what undergarments you want to wear during the ceremony and reception. Whether it’s a nude bra and panties, shapewear, a slip, or a bustier, you should calculate their cost into your budget along with your garter, shoes, jewelry, and veil.
Postage
Stamps may not seem all that expensive, but typically when you’re sending an invitation suite, you’ll have to purchase special postage based on the size and weight of the envelope. This increases the cost of your postage, and if you’re inviting 100 guests or more, you can expect to pay a decent amount.
Check out our blog on Postage Requirements.
Cake Cutting
When meeting with prospective bakeries, ask if cake cutting services are included in the price of the package. Oftentimes, you’re only paying for the design and possibly the delivery of the cake. If the cake cutting services are not included, ask about pricing and if the utensils for the service are included or if you’re expected to provide your own.
Tips
Though sometimes gratuity may be included in the price of your package, review your contract and check with your vendor to see whether tips are included or not. After tipping your officiant, servers, bartenders, DJ and emcee, set-up and tear down team, and more, you’ll be spending a good sum of money. Make sure you set aside a few hundred dollars for tips in your wedding budget and discuss who will be in charge of tipping before the wedding day.
Here’s a list of who to tip and how much!
Overtime
Be sure to ask your DJ, emcee, photo booth provider, bartenders, and venue clean-up staff how much it costs if your reception runs over. It can be awkward to ask your guests to leave, and why should the celebration end? In case you run in to some late-night guests who just can’t stop dancing, it’s better to know in advance how much you’ll be paying for an extra hour or two.
Meals for your vendors
Remember, your vendors will spend as much time at the venue on your wedding day as you will. Just like you and your guests will need dinner, they will, too. Meals should be provided to DJs, emcees, photographers, videographers, and photo booth attendants.
Insurance
Insurance isn’t just for your car or healthcare; you should also get insurance on the more expensive things for your wedding! When purchasing the engagement ring and wedding bands, see what kind of insurance and warranty the shop offers. You should also consider having insurance on your venue, rentals, and honeymoon. Speak with your wedding planner and travel agent about how much insurance you need and reliable companies.
