Having a wedding is expensive, which is why it’s important to prepare yourself for these inevitable fees so they don’t sneak up on you and surprise you later. We’re here to help—below, check out a list of common charges couples tend to overlook, so you can start factoring them into your budget now.
Beauty Treatments
You’ve already set aside money for your professional hair styling and makeup application on the wedding day — but remember that you may need more than one trial for each in order to feel fully comfortable on the Big Day. Also, keep in mind any pre-wedding beauty treatments you may want to indulge in, from a mani/pedi to to a massage.
Marriage License
Don’t forget to make it legal! Yes, no matter how small your wedding, it isn’t free to get married!
A Hotel Room the Night Before
If you and your bridesmaids are planning on getting ready in a hotel, pay attention to check in/check out times — you’ll often need to book the room for two nights in order to have the morning to get ready. To be safe, and especially if you have a larger bridal party, you might want to consider reserving your room for not just the wedding night, but the night before as well. This way, you can check in at your leisure the night before, sleep a little late, order room service, and invite the ladies to join you for a relaxing day of pampering and getting dolled up.
Meals on the Wedding Day
Whether you’re getting ready at home or in a hotel, your bridesmaids will likely be with you every step of the way. Don’t let them starve! Keep it simple with fruit for breakfast and maybe some sandwiches for lunch. And don’t forget the champagne!
Forgotten Items
“Wedding brain” can affect even the best of us — and if you’re not getting ready in your own home, it’s easy to forget something and need a last-minute replacement or have to send someone to fetch it. We recommend starting your packing list at least a week before your wedding, and have someone close check as well to make sure you’re not forgetting anything.
Undergarments and Accessories
Also, save room in your fashion budget for the extras: Your veil, shoes, undergarments and/or shapewear, and jewelry, which can set you back a lot more than you think!
Day-of Coordinator
So many DIY brides decide at the last minute that they’ll need a little help on the big day. You really don’t want to be stuck taking calls from your florist and caterer while you’re having your make up done, do you? Yes, mummies and aunties are great, but they also want to enjoy the day. Enter the day-of coordinator. It’s best to plan this into your budget ahead of time. Then, if you feel you got it all under control, that’s just extra cash in your pocket.
Vendor Meals
Your photographer, videographer etc will be with you for 8+ hours on the wedding day; they’re going to need some fuel to keep making sure you look your best all night long. Dont forget to include them!
Tax and Service Charges
Check over your contracts carefully to ensure that tax is included in the quoted price; otherwise, you may be in for a surprise when you receive your final bills. It may sound insignificant, but when you’re talking amounts the size of a reception bill, the taxes can add up.
Overtime Costs
Whether your wedding runs over the allotted time because you got a late start or because you choose in the heat of the moment to extend it, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for any time outside of the contracted time. When you’re in party mode, it’s easy to say, ‘one more hour’ But be sure to know ahead of time what the overtime charges will be for each vendor.
The “Other”
Already included all of the above items in your budget? Congratulations, you budget-savvy bride! But regardless, every bride should set aside 10 to 20% for “the other.” ‘Other’ is for hiring a backup generator in case your back up generator fails!
