Wedding Expenses Couples Often Forget to Plan For

Feb 1

Planning a wedding involves numerous details and expenses, some of which couples may overlook during the planning process. In this blog post, we will discuss common wedding expenses that couples often forget to plan for. By anticipating these costs in advance, you can avoid any last-minute surprises and stay within your wedding budget. Couples usually budget for the basics such as venue, catering, photography and entertainment. However, there are several expenses that couples may not plan for that can quickly add up.

Marriage License Fees:

Before tying the knot, couples need to obtain a marriage license from their local government office. Depending on the jurisdiction, marriage license fees can range from $20 to $100 or more.

Wedding Party Gifts:

wedding planning paso robles — Smiles with Sabrina Photography

Showing appreciation for your wedding party is customary, and the cost of these gifts can add up. Remember to set aside a budget for thoughtful tokens of gratitude for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other important participants. While this may be customary, you do not have to break the bank and or feel obligated to just get something just because. You can show your appreciation by a personalized thank you card. Some couples are reducing the number of their wedding party members or not having a designated wedding part to reduce expenses.

Vendor Meals:

Many couples forget to factor in providing meals for their vendors during the wedding day. From the photographers and videographers to the DJ or band members, it's customary and often required per their agreement to include them in the meal count. Check with your caterer if they have a discounted vendor meal price.

Wedding Dress Alterations:

While budgeting for a wedding dress, couples often forget to consider the cost of alterations. These adjustments can range from simple hemming to more extensive alterations, depending on the style and fit of the gown.

Vendor Gratuities:

I believe it should not be expected, however, if you do plan to give a gratuity to any of your vendors for their extraordinary work plan to allocate a portion of your budget for gratuities. This can include the wedding planner, caterer, officiant, DJ, hair and makeup and other key service providers.

Overtime Fees:

If your wedding day runs longer than anticipated, some vendors, such as the DJ or the venue may charge additional fees for extended services. Make sure to clarify their overtime policy and budget accordingly. Plan, plan, plan ahead of time. Be aware of your end times per your venue and vendors agreement to avoid the overtime fees. If you want to continue the party outside of the contracted hours at your venue and avoid the often high overtime fees plan an afterparty ahead of time, include it as part of your weekend events.

Cake Cutting and Corkage Fees:

Venues often charge a cake cutting fee if you opt to bring in a cake from an outside bakery. Similarly, if you plan to bring your own wine or champagne, some venues impose corkage fees. Be sure to inquire about these potential charges beforehand and determine what works best for you.

Postage for Invitations and Save the Dates:

Couples often underestimate the cost of postage for sending out wedding invitations and save the dates. Consider the weight and size of your stationery to accurately calculate the required postage before you mail them with the incorrect postage. Also, remember you only need to send one invitation per household, plus get some extra for accidents, returns and detail photos.

Backup Plan Expenses:

If you are planning an outdoor wedding, it's crucial to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. This might involve renting a tent, securing an indoor venue, or making other arrangements to ensure your guests' comfort. Remember to allocate a portion of your budget for such contingencies.

Transportation for Wedding Party and Guests:

If your wedding ceremony and reception are taking place at different venues, you may want to consider providing transportation for your wedding party. This will assist in making sure all of your wedding party members are at the right locations at the right time, and bonus you are together and will have a blast! If you wedding is a destination wedding, and many guests are unfamiliar with the area, and staying at a hotel as part of a hotel block, I do recommend researching transportation for guests as well. Also, don’t forget how you will get home or to your destination after your wedding.

Wedding Insurance:

Often venues do require you to have insurance. The venue will provide the coverage that you need to obtain and how their venue needs to be listed as additional insured on your Certificate of Insurance. You can obtain these from the required companies from your venue, online companies or through your personal home insurance provider. If the venue does not require it, I do encourage you to obtain it for peace of mind. Also, if getting married at a private residence, I do recommend checking with your and the owner’s insurance provider as well. Be sure to review and understand what coverage the insurance does and does not include.

Beauty Treatments:

Hair and makeup for the day of is often a budgeted item that many couples will plan for, however, often forgotten is the beauty treatments you may want leading up to your wedding day. This may or may not be part of your regular schedule beauty appointments, such as manicure, pedicure, haircut and color, and facial and spa treatments and will be important to not forget and budget for.

By being aware of these often-forgotten wedding expenses and factoring them into your budget, you can better plan and avoid financial surprises along the way. Stay organized, communicate with your vendors, and consider creating a buffer fund for any unexpected costs that may arise. Choose your priorities, what is most important to you, and you can allocate your budget more towards those items. If you don’t want cake, easy, budget for a dessert bar, you don’t want a lot of flowers, maybe a few wow moments and simplified table centerpieces, perfect, remember, it is your day!