Planning a wedding is a joyous occasion filled with dreams of a perfect day. However, it’s no secret that it can also be a significant financial undertaking. Many couples find themselves surprised by unexpected costs that pop up throughout the planning process, causing stress and potentially derailing their budget. To help you navigate this exciting journey and avoid any budget-busting surprises, here is a list of often-overlooked wedding costs.

Marriage License

To make your union official, you’ll need a marriage license. The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $100.

Officiant Fee

If you are getting married in a religious ceremony, there may be fees or donations associated with the services provided. If you’re not having a religious ceremony, you’ll need to hire an officiant to perform your wedding ceremony. Their fees can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on their experience and reputation.

Service Charges & Gratuities

Most venues add a service charge or gratuity to their fees, typically ranging from 18% to 25%. These charges cover the cost of staff, setup, and cleanup. Make sure to clarify this upfront and factor it into your budget. Plus, if your wedding reception runs longer than planned, you may incur overtime fees for staff, rentals, and other services. Discuss this with your vendors in advance and build in some buffer time to avoid these additional charges.

Special Service Fees

Some venues charge a separate fee for cutting and serving your wedding cake. This can range from a few dollars per slice to a flat fee. And, if you plan to bring your own alcohol to the venue, be prepared for a corkage fee, which is a charge per bottle opened. This fee can add up quickly, so consider whether it’s more cost-effective to purchase alcohol through the venue.

Sound Permits (if applicable)

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding or reception with amplified music, or if your venue doesn’t have its own sound permit, you may need to obtain one from your local government. These permits can range in price depending on your location and the size of your event.

Accessories and Alterations

Wedding dresses and suits often require alterations for a perfect fit. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations, but it’s essential to include them in your budget. Don’t forget about other costs, such as veils, jewelry, shoes, ties, cufflinks, garment steaming and pressing, and even undergarments. These small details can add up quickly.

Beauty Services

Hair and makeup trials, as well as services for the wedding day, can be significant expenses. Make sure to include these in your beauty budget and get quotes from multiple vendors.

Bridal Party Gifts

It’s customary to thank your bridal party for their support with a thoughtful gift. The cost of these gifts can vary greatly, but it’s important to factor them into your budget.

Vendor Travel Fees

If your vendors need to travel a significant distance to your venue, they may charge additional travel fees. Clarify this with your vendors in advance and consider hiring local vendors to minimize these costs.

Additional Vendor Fees

Some vendors, such as photographers, videographers, or DJs, may charge overtime fees if your event runs longer than originally scheduled. Clarify overtime policies and rates with your vendors in advance to avoid surprises. Likewise, some vendors may require you to carry liability insurance to protect them in case of accidents or damages during your event. Clarify insurance requirements with your vendors and factor in any additional coverage you might need.

Vendor Deposits and Expenses

Many vendors require a nonrefundable deposit to secure their services. Make sure you understand the deposit policies of each vendor and have enough cash flow to cover these upfront costs. Plus, most vendors will require a meal during the reception. Factor in the cost of providing meals for your photographer, DJ, videographer, and other vendors who will be working throughout the event. And, if your vendors need to park at the venue or a nearby garage, you may be responsible for covering their parking fees. Factor in these costs when choosing your venue and vendors.

Wedding Insurance

Wedding insurance can protect you from financial losses due to unforeseen events like vendor cancellations, extreme weather, or illness. The cost of insurance varies depending on your coverage needs, but it’s a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.

Gratuities

While some vendor contracts may include gratuity, it’s customary to tip certain vendors like your wedding planner, hairstylist, makeup artist, and transportation providers. Plan for these tips in your budget, typically 15% to 20% of their total fee.

Welcome Bags

If you’re having a destination wedding or hosting guests from out of town, welcome bags are a thoughtful gesture. However, they can also be a significant expense. Consider simple and affordable items or skip them altogether if they’re not within your budget.

Postage

Don’t underestimate the cost of postage for save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and thank-you notes. Use a postage scale to ensure you’re using the correct amount, especially for invitations with multiple inserts or heavy cardstock. After the wedding, you’ll need to send thank-you notes to your guests for their gifts and attendance. Factor in the cost of postage for these notes, especially if you’re sending them to many addresses.

Rehearsal Dinner

While not technically part of the wedding day, the rehearsal dinner is an important pre-wedding event. Traditionally, the groom’s parents cover this cost, but traditions often change. The cost can vary significantly depending on the venue, menu, and number of guests. Make sure to include this in your overall wedding budget.

Lighting and Sound

If your venue doesn’t have adequate lighting or sound equipment, you may need to rent additional equipment or hire a lighting designer or sound engineer. These costs can add up quickly, so factor them in when budgeting.

Decor and Rentals

Beyond the essentials, you might want to rent additional items like linens, chairs, tables, dance floors, or decorative elements. These rental fees can add up, so prioritize your must-haves and consider DIY options or borrowing some items from friends and family.

Transportation

Consider transportation costs for you, your wedding party, and even your guests, especially if your ceremony and reception are in different locations or if you’re having a destination wedding. This is particularly important for weddings in remote locations or where parking is limited.

Post-Wedding Expenses

Don’t forget about expenses that come after the wedding, such as thank-you cards, postage, photo albums, and wedding dress preservation. These costs can linger after the big day, so plan for them in your budget.

 

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but be aware of all the potential costs involved. By keeping these often-overlooked expenses in mind and factoring them into your budget from the start, you can avoid financial surprises and focus on creating a memorable and stress-free celebration.

Contact us to learn more about finding the best way to make your special day even better. Our financial planning experts are here to help.

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