Currently breaking down your wedding budget? While you may have factored in the big-ticket items like your venue, catering and photographer, there are also some hidden costs that can quickly add up!
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s important to build these unexpected expenses into your budget from the very beginning. From postage to corkage fees, read on as we share 14 of the most commonly overlooked wedding costs you need to plan for.
Dress and Suit Alterations
Finding the perfect dress or suit is just the first step. The cost of alterations can range anywhere from $50 – $1000 depending on how much work is required, so make sure to budget for these in advance!
Beauty Trials
Hair and makeup trials are essential to perfecting your look before the big day, but they usually come at an additional cost. Be sure to ask your stylist if these trials are included in your package or charged separately.
Postage for Invitations
If you’re sending traditional paper invitations, don’t forget to factor in postage costs, which will depend on the weight and size of your invitations. These may be higher than expected, particularly for bulky invites that may include RSVP cards and additional information inserts. For a more cost-effective solution, you can always consider sending digital invitations instead.
Menu and Cake Tastings
Taste testing is one of the more fun wedding planning tasks, but be aware they can also cost extra. Some caterers and bakers charge for private tastings, although these fees might be deducted from your final invoice. It’s worth checking this in advance to avoid any surprises!
Marriage License Fee
Your marriage license fee is probably the most important expense of your entire day, but it can be commonly overlooked! Prices can vary depending on your location, so research ahead of time and plan this into your budget accordingly.
Vendor Travel Fees
If your vendors need to travel to your venue, they may charge additional fees for transport and accommodation. Be sure to clarify these costs in your contracts so you know exactly what expenses you’ll be responsible for.
Corkage Fees
Bringing your own alcohol might seem like a budget-friendly option, but keep in mind that many venues charge a corkage fee to serve it. These fees can add up, so be sure to ask about them when planning a BYO wedding.
Contingency Plan Costs
Hosting an outdoor wedding? You’ll need a backup plan in case of bad weather. Make sure to reserve a percentage of your budget to cover unexpected costs like a marquee or umbrellas if your plans change last-minute.
Thank You Gifts
It’s traditional to give thank-you gifts to your bridesmaids, groomsmen and parents, so be sure to factor these into your budget from the very beginning.
Wedding Morning Meals
On the day of your wedding, you’ll need to organize breakfast and lunch for your wedding party – but if you have a large group, this can definitely be an unexpected cost! It’s a good idea to put some budget aside for these meals so you aren’t put out on your wedding day.
Ring Boxes and Vow Books
Small ceremony details like a ring box or vow books can be easily forgotten until the last minute. While these items may not be expensive, it still pays off to plan ahead and factor them into your budget.
Vendor Meals
If your vendors are working through your wedding reception (like your photographer, musician or planner), many contracts require you to provide them with a meal. While this is often at a reduced rate, it’s still an extra cost to keep in mind.
Gratuities For Vendors
While tipping isn’t always required, it’s common to offer gratuities for vendors like makeup artists, planners and musicians. Gratuities can add up, so make sure you have this accounted for in your budget.
Venue Cleaning Fees
Some venues may charge a seperate cleaning fee that isn’t included in your original package, so be sure to double check your contract. It’s also a good idea to put some budget aside for any accidental breakages on the day (such as glassware) that you may need to cover.
Being aware of these overlooked expenses will help you stay on track and enjoy your celebration without any financial stress! You can also read our ultimate wedding budget checklist here for a comprehensive breakdown of exactly what costs to expect before, during and after the big day.