Most couples are well aware of the big ticket items that come with weddings such as rings, bridal gowns, receptions and honeymoons. However, even if you are extremely detail oriented when planning your big day, there will probably be some unanticipated costs. Factoring them into your budget in advance can help avoid unwanted surprises.
Stationery and Stamps
Wedding-related stationery can encompass much more than just invitations for the nuptials, so don’t blow your entire budget on one thing. Stationary may also be needed for:
- Save-the-date cards
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties
- Bridal shower invitations
- Rehearsal dinner invitations
- Post-wedding brunch invitations
Wedding invitations are often over-sized, which means you will need additional stamps. Square invitations always cost more to mail than standard-size rectangular ones. It is also customary to include a stamped envelope for the RSVP card, so you will not only need to pay for mailing your invitations but also postage for getting the responses back to you.
Bridal Gown Alterations
The wedding dress is usually one of the pricier line items in the average wedding budget, but many brides don’t think to allocate money for alternations too. The cost will vary based on the amount of time needed to make the necessary changes. If the dress is wrinkled, there may be an additional charge to steam it.
Beauty Treatments
In preparation for the big day, many bridal parties visit salons for:
- Hair styling
- Facials
- Make-up
- Manicures and pedicures
- Massages
Some brides also do “trial runs” to determine what hairstyle will best complement their veil and any other headpieces. Grooms may also want to indulge in a manicure, facial or massage.
Hotel Rooms and Meals the Day of the Wedding
If the bridal partly plans to get ready at the hotel the day of the wedding, you should consider booking a room for the night before the nuptials. Otherwise, you may not be able to check in early enough to have adequate time to prepare.
Weddings often take place in afternoons or evenings, and it is important for bridal parties to eat at some point during the day. Ordering room service is often the most convenient option, but it can be another hidden expense.
Meals for Vendors
The photographer, videographer, band or DJ typically spends several hours, if not more time, at a wedding. They will probably get hungry, and providing them with a meal is considerate and may also be a requirement in their contract.
Cake-Cutting Fee
A cake-cutting fee may be assessed if you purchase yours from an outside bakery and don’t buy it from the reception venue.
Surprise Guests
Another unexpected expense can be guests who bring someone else without advance notice. This can be children (even if it was clearly stated on the invitation that children are not invited) or significant others. Additional people mean more food and also the inconvenience of having to potentially shuffle around the seating chart.
Sales Taxes, Services Charges and Tips
While taxes are a fact of life, couples may not think to add them to their list of expenses. When you are planning the reception, be sure to confirm how much you will be charged for taxes and any other fees. Rates vary by state and venue.
Welcome Bags and Wedding Favors
Welcome bags and favors can be other costly items. While these are thoughtful gestures, a large portion of them may end up getting left behind. If you want welcome bags delivered to hotel guests when they arrive, the hotel may charge for this service and may potentially even charge a fee to store them. It might be good to wait to see if you are on budget with the essentials before deciding whether or not to provide welcome bags and wedding favors.
Weddings are a time for celebration. Don’t let unexpected costs put a damper on this important event in your life.