Sticking to your budget is one of the trickiest parts of planning a wedding — especially because there are so many hidden costs. To help you out, we checked in with wedding vendors and financial experts across the country to uncover the top items that couples forget to think about when allocating their wedding finances.
Pre-Wedding Costs
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 a spray tan to a massage.
Your Bachelorette Party: Bachelorette parties today are bigger than ever; more and more groups are planning weekend getaways, Stay close to home to avoid extra travel costs. You will have fun with your girls no matter where you go.
Paper Goods
Day-of Stationery: Don’t blow your entire stationery budget on your save-the-dates and invitations, you also need to think about programs, escort cards, place cards, menu cards, and any other day-of needs you may encounter. “We suggest adding a separate line item in the budget for day-of stationery so brides can budget accordingly,”
Getting Ready
A House the Night Before: Where you and your bridesmaids are planning on getting ready.
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!
Forgotten Items: “Wedding brain” can affect even the best of us — and if you’re not getting ready in your own home, it’s far too easy to forget something and need a last-minute replacement.
Alterations: Unless you’re extremely lucky, your wedding gown is going to require some alterations, whether that means hemming the gown, taking it in (or letting it out), or structural changes (like adding straps). Some salons offer a flat fee, while others will charge you for every alteration. This can run you several hundred dollars, so don’t blow your entire fashion budget on the gown
Undergarments and Accessories: Also, save room in your fashion budget for the extras: Your veil, shoes, undergarments and/or shapewear, and jewelry,
Pre-Wedding Party Attire: Another forgotten fashion item: Cute dresses for your pre-wedding events, From the engagement party to the bridal shower to the bachelorette party to the rehearsal dinner to the day-after brunch, you’ll be celebrating all year long with your nearest and dearest. Save money by re-wearing dresses you already own — you don’t need a little white dress for every party just because you’re the bride.
Guests
Transportation for Guests: While you’re generally not responsible for how guests get to and from your wedding, it becomes your concern if a guest gets too intoxicated to drive home. “If you can’t recruit a friend or family member to provide the necessary transportation.
Unexpected Guests: Inevitably, a guest who RSVP’d “no” will turn up anyway, a clueless friend will show up with an uninvited plus one, or your cousin will bring her kids even though you specifically said no kids were invited. “As rude and upsetting as this may be, it should be anticipated by planning ahead for a couple extra dinners and place settings,”
Welcome Bags: While these are certainly not required, gift bags are a lovely touch if you’re hosting out-of-towners. “They may include handwritten welcome notes from the bride and groom, fresh fruit or flowers, bottled water, a schedule of events, brochures for local attractions,
Vendors
Day-of Coordinator: So many 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 band on your way to your first look, do you?” , “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 and videographer 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. “Vendor meals are usually much cheaper than guest entrees, but depending on the size of your band, number of photographers, videographers and coordinators.
Videography: “Couple often think they don’t need a videographer because photos will be enough,” . “Then they come to the realization the month of the wedding that they have made a big mistake. Trying to squeeze in a major vendor like videographer without properly budgeting for it can be a cause for concern.” Fees for videography can vary wildly, from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re wishy-washy on video, set aside the money anyway — then, if you decide you really don’t need it, you can reallocate the money later on.
Reception
Lighting: “A simple addition of up-lights around a reception area. But lighting isn’t just an “extra” — if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s a requirement. Consider hanging bistro lights, chandeliers or lanterns to create the perfect rustic-chic space.
Sound: Having an outdoor wedding? Invest in a sound system if you want your guests to actually be able to hear your vows. “It doesn’t matter if you’re only having 50 guests — without a sound system, your guests will struggle to hear your ceremony, and that means they’ll miss out on the heart of your wedding,”. “And if you’ve hired musicians to play as you walk down the aisle, they also need to be amplified, or those songs you’ve so carefully chosen will be wimpy instead of powerful. Spend the money on a sound system, even if it means you need to trim elsewhere.”
Décor Beyond the Flowers: The majority of your décor budget will likely be allocated to flowers, “Candles, glass hurricanes, mercury votives, specialty linens, flatware and even how you will identify your tables are all important details that can drastically change your budget if you have not accounted for these details,” . And if you’re looking to add additional elements like lanterns or vintage décor rentals, you may want to save as much as 40 percent of your total décor budget for these pieces. Plus, you can also save on flowers by choosing in-season blooms
Also, always overestimate how many items you’ll need. At one wedding Warner attended, the couple planned an elegant candlelit wedding ceremony. “However, as friends and family members began decorating the ceremony venue, they realized they needed at least a hundred more candles to provide enough light at the front of the chapel,”
Including Yourselves in the Final Count: Sorry, the bride and groom don’t eat for free at the wedding. “I always have to remind my brides and grooms to include themselves in the table count!” “I have had seen it too many times where the couple forgets to include themselves when making their table arrangements.”said a caterer
A Backup Plan: You know that if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you should have a tent on stand-by in case of rain. But even if you luck out with sunshine on the big day, the previous day’s weather can become an important factor. “At one wedding, it rained hard the previous day, which left the grass soft and soggy. The last-minute solution was to add a wooden floor to the cost of the tent rental,”. “If there is the slightest issue with bugs or any dew or moisture on the ground (let alone an actual rainstorm!), your whole event could be ruined,”. “I suggest planning a floor with your tent from the beginning.” For a more budget-friendly option, opt for an interlocking plastic floor, which is typically covered with carpet or Astroturf. The more spendy option is a sub-plywood flooring, where the tent company builds a floor and covers it with your choice of coverings. “It’s more expensive, but the advantage is this type of floor is level and polished.”
Your Bachelorette Party: Bachelorette parties today are bigger than ever; more and more groups are planning weekend getaways, Stay close to home to avoid extra travel costs. You will have fun with your girls no matter where you go.
Paper Goods
Day-of Stationery: Don’t blow your entire stationery budget on your save-the-dates and invitations, you also need to think about programs, escort cards, place cards, menu cards, and any other day-of needs you may encounter. “We suggest adding a separate line item in the budget for day-of stationery so brides can budget accordingly,”
Getting Ready
A House the Night Before: Where you and your bridesmaids are planning on getting ready.
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!
Forgotten Items: “Wedding brain” can affect even the best of us — and if you’re not getting ready in your own home, it’s far too easy to forget something and need a last-minute replacement.
Alterations: Unless you’re extremely lucky, your wedding gown is going to require some alterations, whether that means hemming the gown, taking it in (or letting it out), or structural changes (like adding straps). Some salons offer a flat fee, while others will charge you for every alteration. This can run you several hundred dollars, so don’t blow your entire fashion budget on the gown
Undergarments and Accessories: Also, save room in your fashion budget for the extras: Your veil, shoes, undergarments and/or shapewear, and jewelry,
Pre-Wedding Party Attire: Another forgotten fashion item: Cute dresses for your pre-wedding events, From the engagement party to the bridal shower to the bachelorette party to the rehearsal dinner to the day-after brunch, you’ll be celebrating all year long with your nearest and dearest. Save money by re-wearing dresses you already own — you don’t need a little white dress for every party just because you’re the bride.
Guests
Transportation for Guests: While you’re generally not responsible for how guests get to and from your wedding, it becomes your concern if a guest gets too intoxicated to drive home. “If you can’t recruit a friend or family member to provide the necessary transportation.
Unexpected Guests: Inevitably, a guest who RSVP’d “no” will turn up anyway, a clueless friend will show up with an uninvited plus one, or your cousin will bring her kids even though you specifically said no kids were invited. “As rude and upsetting as this may be, it should be anticipated by planning ahead for a couple extra dinners and place settings,”
Welcome Bags: While these are certainly not required, gift bags are a lovely touch if you’re hosting out-of-towners. “They may include handwritten welcome notes from the bride and groom, fresh fruit or flowers, bottled water, a schedule of events, brochures for local attractions,
Vendors
Day-of Coordinator: So many 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 band on your way to your first look, do you?” , “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 and videographer 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. “Vendor meals are usually much cheaper than guest entrees, but depending on the size of your band, number of photographers, videographers and coordinators.
Videography: “Couple often think they don’t need a videographer because photos will be enough,” . “Then they come to the realization the month of the wedding that they have made a big mistake. Trying to squeeze in a major vendor like videographer without properly budgeting for it can be a cause for concern.” Fees for videography can vary wildly, from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re wishy-washy on video, set aside the money anyway — then, if you decide you really don’t need it, you can reallocate the money later on.
Reception
Lighting: “A simple addition of up-lights around a reception area. But lighting isn’t just an “extra” — if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s a requirement. Consider hanging bistro lights, chandeliers or lanterns to create the perfect rustic-chic space.
Sound: Having an outdoor wedding? Invest in a sound system if you want your guests to actually be able to hear your vows. “It doesn’t matter if you’re only having 50 guests — without a sound system, your guests will struggle to hear your ceremony, and that means they’ll miss out on the heart of your wedding,”. “And if you’ve hired musicians to play as you walk down the aisle, they also need to be amplified, or those songs you’ve so carefully chosen will be wimpy instead of powerful. Spend the money on a sound system, even if it means you need to trim elsewhere.”
Décor Beyond the Flowers: The majority of your décor budget will likely be allocated to flowers, “Candles, glass hurricanes, mercury votives, specialty linens, flatware and even how you will identify your tables are all important details that can drastically change your budget if you have not accounted for these details,” . And if you’re looking to add additional elements like lanterns or vintage décor rentals, you may want to save as much as 40 percent of your total décor budget for these pieces. Plus, you can also save on flowers by choosing in-season blooms
Also, always overestimate how many items you’ll need. At one wedding Warner attended, the couple planned an elegant candlelit wedding ceremony. “However, as friends and family members began decorating the ceremony venue, they realized they needed at least a hundred more candles to provide enough light at the front of the chapel,”
Including Yourselves in the Final Count: Sorry, the bride and groom don’t eat for free at the wedding. “I always have to remind my brides and grooms to include themselves in the table count!” “I have had seen it too many times where the couple forgets to include themselves when making their table arrangements.”said a caterer
A Backup Plan: You know that if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you should have a tent on stand-by in case of rain. But even if you luck out with sunshine on the big day, the previous day’s weather can become an important factor. “At one wedding, it rained hard the previous day, which left the grass soft and soggy. The last-minute solution was to add a wooden floor to the cost of the tent rental,”. “If there is the slightest issue with bugs or any dew or moisture on the ground (let alone an actual rainstorm!), your whole event could be ruined,”. “I suggest planning a floor with your tent from the beginning.” For a more budget-friendly option, opt for an interlocking plastic floor, which is typically covered with carpet or Astroturf. The more spendy option is a sub-plywood flooring, where the tent company builds a floor and covers it with your choice of coverings. “It’s more expensive, but the advantage is this type of floor is level and polished.”
