Photo Credit: Still Frames Photography
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
Asking Bridesmaids in a Special Way:
For many brides, asking their nearest and dearest to stand up with them
on their wedding day simply isn't something that can be done via phone
or text -- or even just on your regular girl's night out. Brides are
popping the question to their ‘maids with creative gifts (
try this fun idea!), personalized cards, or taking them out to a nice lunch or dinner, according to
Plum Pretty Sugar. But remember that those little costs can add up!
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. If there's a more expensive service you are dying to try, look
for deals via daily deal sites like Groupon, said
Andrea Woroch, a consumer money-saving expert frequently featured on
Today,
Good Morning America,
The Dr. Oz Show, and more.
Your Bachelorette Party:
Bachelorette parties today are bigger than ever; more and more groups
are planning weekend getaways, like a Vegas excursion or a girls' beach
trip. And even though the maid of honor and bridesmaids are supposed to
pick up the tab for the party, many brides end up paying for their own
airfare or part of the hotel bill to help alleviate costs for their
girls -- especially if the bride-to-be is the one pushing for an
overnight excursion. Stay close to home to avoid extra travel costs. You
will have fun with your girls no matter where you go. Choose a luxe
hotel or find a big house to rent near your home, and plan activities to
keep the fun going, said Woroch.
Try one of these unique themes.
Marriage License:
Don't forget to make it legal! Your marriage license will typically
cost between $20 and $100, depending on where you're getting married (
see your state's guidelines).
And in most states, you won't automatically receive a copy of your
marriage license after it's been filed -- you'll need to pay for that,
too. If you’re having a destination wedding, keep in mind that you may
need to fly in a few days before the wedding or even make a second trip
to the locale in order to get your marriage license, depending on the
waiting period, according to Abra Millar of
Hopkins Bay Resort in Belize. This means incurring extra travel fees -- more nights, more meals, and possibly a second round of airfare.
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,” advised
Wedding Paper Divas. Here's
how to save money on stationery.
Postage:
When choosing your invitations, be sure to weigh it carefully -- if
it's more than one ounce, you’re going to need additional postage. Some
invitations can set you back $1 or more in postage fees. Keep in mind
that extra postage is also required for square invitations, regardless
of weight. Also, don’t forget that you also need stamps for your
save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and thank-you notes. And try not to obsess
over matching your postage to your invitation theme, which can sometimes
lead you to choose a more expensive stamp just for the design -- No one
will remember the stamps,” said Woroch.
Getting Ready
A Hotel Room the Night Before:
If you and your bridesmaids are planning on getting ready in a hotel
suite, 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.
“Many hotels will not guarantee an early check-in on the wedding date,”
said
Karen Bussen, A-list wedding planner and designer of Simple Stunning Destination Weddings for
Palladium Hotels and Resorts. “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 bagels and fruit for breakfast and a platter of sandwiches
for lunch. “And don’t forget the champagne!” said Damon Dietz of
Absolute Media Productions. Here are
5 healthy breakfast ideas.
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. At one wedding Diane Warner, author
of
Complete Guide to a Traditional Wedding, attended, the groom
didn’t realize he’d neglected to pack his dress shoes until he arrived
at the ceremony venue; “This required a hasty trip to the closest shoe
store,” she said. We recommend starting your packing list at least a
week before your wedding, and have a trusted loved one look it over as
well to make sure you’re not forgetting anything. (Check out this
last-minute wedding-day checklist.
Fashion
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 (psst --
check out these
gorgeous gowns under $1,000!).
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 $200 to $500 or more (
see the best new bridal accessories under $100). You can cut costs by making your veil or jewelry your "something borrowed."
Pre-Wedding Party Attire:
Another forgotten fashion item: Cute dresses for your pre-wedding
events, said Woroch. 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, you’ll need to pay taxi fare,” said
Warner.
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,” said Warner.
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, disposable
cameras, bottled water, a schedule of events, brochures for local
attractions, and a city map,” said Warner.
Get more ideas for your welcome baskets here.
Presents for Parents and Other Family Members:
You already know that you’ll need gifts for your hardworking
bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers. But don’t forget
about your parents! Consider an engraved frame, an IOU for a parents’
album after the Big Day, or even a second honeymoon package. “It doesn't
have to be costly -- the emphasis should be on remembering them. But if
you calculate these costs, you won't be surprised down the road," said
photographer
Elisa Bricker. Some
couples also opt to give small gifts to other family members, like
grandparents and any siblings not included in the bridal party.
“Purchase these gifts early in the planning process so the expense
doesn’t hit you at the last minute,” recommended Warner. (Check out
40+ bridal party presents and
sweet thank-you gifts for parents.)
Favors: Favors can cost anywhere from $3-8 (or more) per person, according to Ann Taylor of
A Chair Affair Inc.,
which can make a sizable dent in your wedding budget depending on the
size of your guest list. A few ways to cut costs: Opt for one favor per
couple rather than per person; go for a DIY option if you’re feeling
crafty, or skip favors altogether -- they’re definitely not required,
and most guests won’t even notice if you don’t have them. Here are
30 winter wedding favors we love.
Vendors
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 band on your way to your first look, do you?"
reminded Woroch. Enter the
day-of coordinator,
which can run you about $500 to $2,000. “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, you may be looking at a
few hundred dollars extra,” said Woroch.
Videography:
“Couple often think they don't need a videographer because photos will
be enough,” said Dietz. “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. (Plus:
What to ask a potential videographer.)
Reception
Lighting:
“A simple addition of up-lights around a reception area can cost around
$1,000, so it is best to plan ahead,” said Stacey Lynn of
Stacey Lynn Design.
Other popular lighting options: Pin-spotting (to highlight centerpieces
or accent areas, like the cake display), a wash (general room color or
dance floor), and a custom-designed gobo projection, such as a monogram.
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, said Stacey Lynn.
Check out
15 fun ways to light up your reception here.
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,” said event planner
Amy Kaneko. “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,
but set aside $25-30 per table for the non-floral elements: “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,” said Lindsey of
L. Brook Events.
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 --
see your best picks for your wedding month.
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,” said Warner.
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!” said Douglas Hoagland, director of catering at
SLS Hotel Beverly Hills. “I have had seen it too many times where the couple forgets to include themselves when making their table arrangements.”
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,” said Warner. "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," said
Bussen. "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."
Money Matters
Gratuities:
When you’re already paying astronomical costs, it can feel downright
painful to add a tip on top of that -- if you didn’t budget accordingly.
Poppy & Plum Events
recommends allotting 5 to 10% of your overall budget to gratuities. The
general rule of thumb is that if your vendor is also the business
owner, a tip is not required (though it’s always a welcome bonus). Also,
some vendors (like your venue or caterer) may already include
gratuities in your quote, so check your contracts carefully. According
to Bobette Kyle, author of
Dream Wedding on a Dime,
some of the often-forgotten vendors include bartenders, servers,
valets, coat check attendants, officiants, makeup artists, hair
stylists, the cake delivery team, and limo drivers.
Sales Tax and Service Charges:
Check over your contracts carefully to ensure that sales 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,” said Kyle. Also, service charges are not the same as gratuities;
“Sometimes, for example, a private club will just charge an 18-22 %
service charge for administering the wedding," explained Bussen. "This
money is not distributed to tipped employees and gratuities may be left
to your discretion, which could double the money you need for
'service.'"
Additionally, the “plus plus” can make a huge
difference. “If a caterer quotes you $110 per person ++, that means that
you will also need to add service and tax on top of that quote,”
explained Kaneko. “Those two tiny plus signs can add as much as 30% on
top of the base cost. In this scenario, that miscalculation would equal
$5,000 of unexpected catering costs for a 150-person wedding.”
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, 'party
on!' But be sure to know ahead of time what the overtime charges will
be,” said Dietz. “The venue usually has an option to extend -- for a
price --but don't forget your other vendors, such as DJ or band,
photographers and videographers. They will also have overtime fees and
will most likely need to be paid on the spot to continue.”
Post-Wedding To-Dos:
Sorry, but your wedding costs don't end after “I do.” Unless you want
to be spending your wedding gift money on thank-you cards, cleaning and
preserving your gown, and making prints of your favorite wedding photos,
set aside that money ahead of time. “Consider adding a few hundred
dollars to your stationery budget for printing pictures and thank you
cards,” the events team at the
Shade Hotel recommended.
When
it comes to preserving your gown, Bussen advised: “Try to book in
advance --it may save you money if you reserve to preserve early. And
your bridal retailer may have discount deals or coupons to share.”
(Here's a breakdown of all your
post-wedding to-dos.)
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.” Lara Goldman of
RomanticTravelBelize.com
explains: “’Other’ is when the flower delivery got stuck in a storm,
and you have to hire a local florist to use local flowers. ‘Other’ is
for when the power suddenly goes out and you have to go buy 200 candles.
‘Other’ is for the 'dear friend' who cried that she and her new
boyfriend weren't invited, and you have to lie and say her invitation
got lost in the mail. ‘Other’ is for the broken nail that broke so low
you have to get a full set of acrylics at the last minute so your hands
don’t look like a ditch diggers'.” If you prepare for the unexpected
ahead of time, you won't be left scrambling to come up with extra cash
at the last minute.
