Planning a wedding can be an exciting but costly endeavor, and there are many hidden or unexpected costs that couples often overlook or maybe never even consider. We are sharing 15 Hidden Wedding Costs That You Should Know About to avoid any last-minute surprises when it comes to planning your wedding.
15 Hidden Wedding Costs That You Should Know About
1. Taxes and Service Charges
First on our list of 15 Hidden Wedding Costs That You Should Know About are taxes and service charges. Many venues and vendors may add taxes and service charges to their prices. These can vary from venue to venue and vendor to vendor. These can also significantly increase your overall wedding expenses.
2. Gratuities
While some vendors include gratuities in their fees, others do not. You may need to budget for tips for your caterer, bartender, servers, and other service providers.
3. Wedding Dress Alterations
Also on our list of 15 Hidden Wedding Costs are dress alterations. The cost of alterations to your wedding dress can be substantial, especially if you lose or gain weight or want to add embellishments so be sure to budget for this expense.
4. Vendor Meals
Many contracts require that you provide meals for your vendors, such as photographers and DJs. These additional meals can add up. Be sure to go over the contracts and ask your vendors how many vendors meals will be required to assist you in budgeting for the extra costs.
5. Parking Fees
If your venue charges for parking or valet services, this is an expense to consider.
6. Overtime Charges
If your wedding runs longer than expected, you may incur overtime charges for vendors like photographers, musicians, and the venue itself. Your wedding planner should be able to assist you in making sure things go according to the timeline.
7. Corkage Fees
Some venues charge corkage fees if you bring your own alcohol. These fees can add up if you're planning to provide your own drinks.
8. Additional Decor
While you may have a vision for your wedding decor, the cost of additional flowers, lighting, and decorations can quickly escalate. Keep this in mind when you want to make last-minute changes to the decor as well.
9. Postage
Many couples consider the cost of invitations, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards but tend to forget about the postage required to mail them. Remember to budget for postage for your invitations, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards.
10. Marriage License Fees
The cost of obtaining a marriage license can vary by location, so be sure to research the fees in your area.
11. Insurance
Some couples opt for wedding insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations or disasters. While not mandatory, it's an additional cost to consider. Do your due diligence and compare prices if you choose to have wedding insurance.
12. Beauty and Grooming
Many brides never consider having hair and makeup done before the wedding day to make sure they are getting the look they want. Hair and makeup trials, as well as day-of beauty services for the bride and groom, can add to your wedding budget.
13. Transportation
If you're providing transportation for your bridal party or guests, factor in the cost of renting vehicles or hiring a shuttle service especially if your ceremony and reception are at separate locations.
14. Gifts for the Wedding Party
It's customary to give gifts to your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the wedding party. Planning for the cost of the gifts that will be given to the wedding party can also help you budget for the occasion.
15. Unexpected Miscellaneous Costs
There are always unexpected expenses that can arise, such as last-minute purchases or emergencies, so having a contingency fund is a good idea.
If you want to learn more about our 15 Hidden Wedding Costs That You Should Know About, contact us to speak to one of our wedding planners.