Hidden Wedding Costs Couples Forget to Budget For

Planning a wedding can be a hectic process, but many brides and grooms to-be start with the big-ticket items. These include the venue, catering, and photography. However, many couples are surprised to discover dozens of smaller expenses that add hundreds of dollars behind the scenes. These costs are easy to overlook during all the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, but if you are set on a specific budget, they can be overwhelming. To avoid throwing your budget off track, stay aware of the most common hidden wedding costs couples forget to budget for.

1. Taxes and Service Charges

Wedding vendors might advertise prices before taxes and service fees are added. Caterers and venues can charge service fees of 18% to 25%, which can add thousands of dollars to the final bill. Sales tax is another expense that can significantly increase the total. Always ask vendors for an “all-in” estimate before signing a contract.

2. Tips

Gratuity isn’t always included in vendor pricing. And while most couples want to tip appropriately, this expense can be overlooked. Couples budget for the wedding itself but forget to set aside money for the people helping make the day run smoothly. And while many of us remember the bartenders will need to be tipped, we might forget about other vendors like hairstylists, makeup artists, delivery crews, catering staff, drivers, and coordinators. All of these gratuities can add up quickly.

3. Marriage License Fees

A marriage license is one of the smallest wedding expenses, but it’s also one of the easiest to forget. Fees vary by state and county, and some couples also pay extra for certified copies of their marriage certificate after the ceremony. It’s not a huge expense at all, but it’s one more item that belongs in the budget.

4. Alterations

Wedding attire almost always costs more than the price of the gown, even if it’s an already expensive dress. Most dresses and suits need alterations for the best fit. Depending on the amount of work needed, alterations can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. Many couples either don’t realize this or forget to factor it in.

5. Postage

Even after wedding invitations have been paid for, they still have to be mailed. And postage isn’t cheap! Thick invitations, wax seals, or unusually shaped envelopes can require extra postage. Couples also need pre-stamped RSVP envelopes if they want to ensure they’re sent back. Between save-the-dates, invitations, and thank-you cards, postage alone can become surprisingly expensive.

6. Hair and Makeup Trials

Most brides schedule a trial before the wedding day to make sure they’re happy with their look. Brides find the investment completely worth it; however, they can easily forget to budget for it. These appointments are priced separately from the wedding-day service. If you decide to try multiple hairdos or different makeup looks, the cost can climb even higher. If these extras lead to peace of mind, it might be money well spent, but it’s frequently left out of the original budget.

7. Meals for Vendors

Photographers, videographers, DJs, and planners who work long weddings all need to be fed. Some vendor contracts even specify that a hot meal must be provided. And while you likely want to extend this kindness anyway, couples sometimes forget to include these extra dinners when estimating catering costs. If several vendors are working all day and staying through the reception, the additional meals can noticeably increase the final catering bill.

8. Last-Minute Purchases

Nearly every wedding involves a handful of unexpected purchases during the final weeks. As nerves kick in, anxious brides might suddenly realize they need a particular something. Emergency sewing kits, fashion tape, steamers, clear umbrellas in case of drizzle, guest book pens, signage stands, backup candles, batteries, or last-minute accessories can all end up in the shopping cart. Maybe even stress eating snack-packs are in order. Individually these purchases are small, but together they can total several hundred dollars.

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