This week’s blog is straight out of my book! It is about ten commonly overlooked wedding costs and helpful tips when creating your budget. If you have a wedding planner though, they can often remind you of these hidden costs so you’re not caught being surprised at the end.
1. Service charge and gratuity for catering food and beverage.
This usually amounts to 20-22% over the food and beverage cost. You must also add tax for the pre-service charge.
2. Framing and matting of pre-wedding portraiture.
This can be pricey.
3. Valet parking fees.
Don’t let your guests’ last memory of your wedding be reaching into their pockets to find cash for valet.
4. Gown and other formal wear alteration fees.
There will be multiple fittings and each one comes with a cost. Ask the gown boutique in advance to estimate the total for alterations fees and factor this into your budget.
5. Cake-cutting fees.
Many venues require that you use their in-house pastry chef to create your wedding cake(s). If you choose to use an outside vendor, expect a cutting fee of $2.50 to $7.50 per person. This charge covers plates, flatware, and labor costs. Some venues that don’t have an in-house pastry chef may still charge a per-person fee for this service, although usually lower than that mentioned above.
6. Overtime fees.
If the party was supposed to end at 11:00 PM, but you keep it rolling into the wee hours of the morning, it will cost you. The band, the photographer and videographer, and any vendors who plan on striking the event will all charge overtime fees if they end up working past the time initially agreed upon in their contracts.
7. Postage.
Postage for invitations and response cards, which must all be stamped before you mail them.
8. Consumption vs. package bar.
Consumption bars charge for every drink served. Package bars charge one upfront estimate.
9. Calligraphy.
Everything about a wedding invitation should be perfect, including the penmanship on the envelopes. Don’t use labels or personally handwrite the addresses yourself; hire a professional.
10. Wedding-day accessory items.
Don’t forget the guest book, pen, cake knife and server, ring bearer pillow – the list goes on. Personally, I like to buy these items in the beginning and incorporate them into the wedding’s them.
I hope these were some helpful tips for y’all! Tell us in the comments if you were hit with any additional costs you weren’t expecting for your wedding!
Photo Credit: www.vipvalet.ca, www.nicolepaulson.com, www.romeoandjuliet-weddings.com