When budgeting for the best day of your life, you may start to realize how quickly it could become the most expensive day if you’re not careful. As most brides and grooms know, planning a wedding isn’t cheap or easy; however, if you’re aware of all the costs involved, it can make saving and budgeting much less stressful.
So if you’re in the process of preparing to say, “I do,” this one’s for you. Here is a list of the top unexpected costs that come with wedding planning.
Unexpected Wedding Costs You Should Consider
You’ve bought the cake, it’s inside the venue, and now all you have to do is eat it, right? Well…maybe not. Many venues charge a cake-cutting fee, which will usually run you around $1 per slice. Meaning if your party has around 150 guests, you could be looking at $150 in cake cutting fees alone.
Another cost-per-guest fee is postage. When sending out announcements, be sure to factor in the approximately $0.50 charge per stamp. It’s pocket change on a small scale, but with over 100 guests, it can easily add up.
Event venues want to cover all their bases. Event liability insurance gives venues the extra money they need for repairs in case one of your party-goers accidentally breaks something. Sometimes it’s mandatory, sometimes it’s optional, but it should never be unexpected.
Many brides and grooms don’t realize that tipping planners, musicians, rental crews, and valets is customary. Although tips may be factored into the overall cost, be sure to double check so you’re not surprised by this extra charge.
It’s normal to budget a certain amount of money for your dream dress or tuxedo. Unfortunately, the cost doesn’t always end with the price that’s listed on the tag. More than likely, your wedding day garment will need to be altered. This cost is typically around $500 for a dress and $150 for a suit.
The vendors at your wedding are working long hours and should be considered in your meal planning unless otherwise stated by the company. So be sure to add photographers, planners, and musicians to your overall meal headcount.
Although most people don’t forget about the cost of transportation to and from their Central Florida wedding location, they may not realize the extra fees that can be included. Some services charge extra if you stay longer at the wedding or decide to change your departure time.
When getting your hair and makeup done, typically you’ll have a trial day to be sure it is exactly how you want it. Unfortunately, the trial isn’t free and can add an extra $50 to $150 to your overall costs.
A wedding comes with a lot of pre-wedding events. From bridal showers to rehearsal dinners, most couples want to look their best for every event. Be sure to factor in the costs of new outfits for all your pre-wedding celebrations.
Sometimes vendors don’t include cleaning and setup fees in the cost of the venue. Be sure to check the breakdown of the costs for the space and if it isn’t listed, ask how much extra it will be.
While you may not be able to have the exact celebration you originally planned, rescheduling may help you achieve the closest thing possible. If you decide to — or have no choice but to — postpone your wedding, here are some things to keep in mind:
Plan Your Central Florida Wedding with Holy Trinity
When budgeting for your big day, choosing a location that is upfront about costs helps the process run even smoother. At Holy Trinity Reception Center, we’ve seen our fair share of Central Florida weddings so we know a thing or two about the not-so-obvious costs that come with planning your big day.
Through exceptional service and experience, our professional staff at the Holy Trinity Reception Center will work with couples and planners to make every detail of their wedding a breeze. Learn more about our venue by calling 407-331-3036 today.
