Planning Tips :: 6 Hidden Wedding Costs You Won't See Coming

Wedding budgets are big business! I always suggest this is the first thing you should establish after the engagement. However, there are always going to be a few things you miss when you set up your budget blindly. Check out the list below of a few hidden costs to remember when establishing your wedding budget:

1. Tax and Service Charge
Wedding costs can be higher than you'd expect, and so can the tax and service charges. Make sure to ask your vendors in advance if their fee includes tax. If not, be sure to anticipate adding the extra expense to your budget. The higher the cost for the vendor, the higher the tax expense will be. Service charges are generally 20-22% and based on your final food and beverage cost. Keep it in your budget from the beginning as you hire each vendor. 

2. Cake Cutting
Most venues and/or catering companies charge a cake cutting fee. After the new Mr. & Mrs. have done the traditional cutting of the cake, someone whisks it off where it is then REALLY cut and plated into 100, 200, or however many slices needed. This is an additional charge. Be sure to ask your venue or catering company if this fee is included in your price, or if it will be added on at the end.

3. Feeding Your Vendors
If you have vendors who will be with you throughout the wedding day (like a wedding planner, photographer, videographer, etc...) it is customary to feed them since they are not stopping to take a lunch or dinner break in the traditional fashion. Same goes for vendors who will be with you through the entire evening (DJ, band, musicians, etc...). It doesn't have to be the same dinner that you serve to your guests, but there needs to be some sort of meal provided for the vendors who really don't have the opportunity to leave for themselves.

4. Postage
Be sure to think about postage as an add on for the budget. Everything from save the date's to thank you's will need to be postmarked, and with the cost of postage these days it will add up quickly. Save the dates are sent to everyone you want to attend, along with the invitations. Engagement Announcements, Bridal Shower Invites and Bachelorette Invites are sent to a few. Save the Date's, Wedding Invitations, RSVP's and Thank You cards are some of the items that can be mailed and would need to be postmarked. Make sure not to overlook this added cost!  

5. Alterations & Accessories
Chances are, when you find that perfect dress it will need a little more prep work to make it perfect. You will need the straps altered, or it will be a bit too long and you'll need it hemmed, and you'll probably need it bustled for dancing...not to mention the accessories such as a veil, shoes, garter, belt, tiara, jewelry...lots of add-on's to think about that go along with the wedding gown purchase! Don't forget to include every accessory you want when you're planning you're budget!

6. Visas and Vaccinations
If you're doing a destination wedding or going international on your honeymoon, be sure to take into consideration beforehand the cost of any vaccinations or visas you'll need before you travel. This can be a costly added expense, and something important that you definitely won't want to leave for the last minute!