hidden wedding expenses

5 Hidden Wedding Expenses to Keep in Mind

Most couples have the best intentions when it comes to sticking to their wedding budget. However, even the most scrupulous spender can be blindsided by hidden wedding expenses like tips, taxes, and hidden fees.

Read on to learn about some common hidden wedding expenses and what you can do to ensure you don’t let them blow your budget!

1. Postage

When it comes to wedding invites, most couples focus on finding a beautiful design that reflects their wedding theme. However, it is important to consider the weight and size of the invitations you choose, as both invites weighing in over one ounce and square-shaped invites require additional postage.

It may not seem like a big cost, but postage prices can quickly add up to a few hundred dollars if you are not careful. Be sure to keep this hidden wedding expense in mind as you choose the perfect invites for your special day!

2. Tips & Taxes

When you are getting quotes from caterers, staffing companies, DJs, makeup artists and other wedding day vendors be sure to check if the contracts include taxes and gratuity. Some vendors automatically factor tip and tax into the price, however, some do not, and this is an easy way to go over budget without even knowing that you are doing so.

Tips & Taxes

3. Dress Alterations

Have you found the perfect dress for your big day? Congratulations! When making the purchase, it is important to keep in mind that the majority of wedding dress retailers do not incorporate dress alterations into the dress price, and these alterations can be quite time-consuming and costly.

If you think your dress is going to need last-minute alterations, be sure to ask the retailer what it will cost upfront. This will keep you from having this hidden wedding expense surprise you at the last minute.

4. Venue Setup and Cleanup Fees

You should review your wedding venue contract thoroughly to confirm whether the overall price includes the setup and takedown fees. This can vary based on the venue you book. For instance, full-service venues do not charge for services like garbage removal and clean up, but if your venue is not full-service this may be an added fee.

Venue Setup and Cleanup Fees

Even full-service venues typically require setup and takedown to occur on the same day of the wedding. This can mean extra fees for early setup or a late-night cleanup after an extra long reception that goes past midnight.

5. Last-Minute Wedding Expenses

Couples tend to remember the most obvious details of wedding planning such as hiring a caterer, purchasing a cake, hiring a DJ and finding the perfect attire when it comes to planning their special day.

However, couples often overlook smaller details like party favors, wedding send-off ideas, and even the marriage license until the last minute.

Related: 36-inch Wedding Sparklers

Saving these last-minute expenses until the end of your planning process, when your budget is likely already stretched to its limit, can throw off your budget, even though they are not typically high-cost items.

To avoid being blindsided by these costs, So make sure to research their prices and budget for them at the beginning of your planning process.

Related: 20-inch Wedding Sparklers

Want to get a jump start on budgeting for hidden wedding expenses? If you are considering using wedding sparklers in your grand wedding send-off, you can learn more about our products and pricing here.

FAQs

Q: What are some common hidden wedding expenses?

A: Some common hidden wedding expenses include service charges, taxes, setup and takedown fees, gratuities, and overtime fees for vendors.

Q: How can I avoid hidden wedding expenses?

A: To avoid hidden wedding expenses, make sure to carefully review all contracts and ask vendors about any additional fees that may not be included in their initial pricing.

Q: What should I look for in a wedding venue contract to avoid hidden fees?

A: Look for any additional fees related to setup, takedown, or the use of specific equipment or spaces. Make sure to clarify what is included in the overall price and ask about any additional fees that may apply.

Q: Are hidden wedding expenses always costly?

A: Hidden wedding expenses can range from minor fees to major costs, depending on the vendor and the nature of the expense.

Q: How can I anticipate hidden expenses and plan for them?

A: You can anticipate hidden expenses by creating a detailed wedding budget and accounting for all potential costs, including taxes, service charges, and gratuities.

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