Wedding Costs You Forget About
When it comes to planning a wedding, there are so many costs involved it’s hard to keep track. There are the big things that make the top of your budget, but we’re here to make sure you’re prepared for the little costs that we all forget to talk about.
Here is our list of wedding planning costs that couples often forget:
Vendor-related costs
Vendors have a charge for their services, but often forgotten in the budget are vendor tips, vendor meals, & vendor service charges. Many venues have event insurance included as a part of their package, but some require you to get your own Event Insurance, which is another cost we often forget about.
Paper suite Costs
Everyone sends out some sort of wedding invitation, but along with the cost of the invite itself, couples forget to add in the cost of the stamps, inserts, and thank you cards. Additional paper goods are also easy to forget. These include additional invites for events such as the bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinner as well as any day-of stationery. This will usually include menus, programs, place cards, welcome signs, parking signs, bar sign, and gift sign.
Attire and Beauty costs
You know you need outfits for the wedding day, but did you budget for Alterations? Most couples find themselves needing alterations on either a suit or a dress. These can be a minimal cost, but if you want something crazy done with that neckline, you’re going to need to set aside more money than you think to get it done.
Are you wanting to wear something different for your rehearsal or wedding sendoff? Rehearsal Dinner/Getaway Outfits are clothing items you should add to your budget. With that comes any extra shoes or accessories you want to wear as well.
Another set of items that couples often forget to budget for, particularly because they happen just a week or two before the wedding day are beauty items. These are things like getting your hair cut & colored, professional hair & makeup on the day of, getting your nails done, going tanning, etc.
Pre-wedding costs
Next up on the list is something a lot more couples are skipping, but some still want to incorporate. Gifts. This could include gifts for your parents, each other, your wedding party, & your guests (welcome bags/favors). Each gift will require a budget!
If someone is throwing you a Bachelorette/Bachelor Party, it depends on the location, activity, and your friends whether or not you need to budget for this. Being clear and upfront with your wedding party about what you want to do for these and how much you want to spend is helpful when trying to account for costs.
One of the costs that hit you in the last month before the big day is your Marriage License. Remember to check with your county on how long your license will last, as it’s typically only 30 days.
Wedding Day Costs
You’re going to need somewhere to stay on the night of your wedding, so it’s a good idea to add wedding night accommodations to your list. And remember, the earlier you book, the better deal you’ll get!
Do your guests need to move between your ceremony & reception venue or get from the hotel to the party and back? A large cost that’s often neglected is Guest Transportation.
And finally, do you want a sendoff at the end of your reception? Remember to budget for Sendoff Supplies (i.e.: sparklers, bubbles, confetti, ribbon wands, etc.)
We know, there is SO MUCH TO REMEMBER. So to help you as you plan, we’ve created an Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist to help you cross things off your list and not miss as many details while planning. Sign up for our email list to get access to that checklist and learn more about how to successfully plan your dream wedding.
♥ The Everson Events Team