Staying true to your budget is one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning and it's downright impossible if you forget some expenses in the first place. You've probably got an estimate for the venue, the dress, and the rings, but what about the hidden costs of a wedding? Read on to find out which sneaky expenses you need to add into your budget.
The Marriage License
Many couples forget that they have to pay for the actual marriage license but that little piece of paper can cost almost as much as a night at a hotel depending on where you live, so remember to include it in your budget.
Alterations
Your wedding dress and groom's suit probably aren't the perfect fit (unless you're very lucky!) so don't forget to factor in the cost of alterations to the length and shape of wedding attire.
Postage Stamps
Posting out invitations can be an expensive business, particularly if your invites are heavy or bulky. The more guests you have, the more you'll pay, so keep the cost of postage in mind.
Beauty Treatments
You've probably factored in the price of bridal hairstyling and makeup on the big day but what about other beauty treatments like haircuts, spray tans, and manicures and pedicures? Decide which you'll want and research the prices before your big day.
Pre-Wedding Fashion
You may also be planning pre-wedding events like a bridal shower, a rehearsal dinner, or bachelor and bachelorette parties, so remember to budget for any new clothes you might want for these occasions.
Rentals
Many venues require you to pay for the rental of tables, chairs, crockery, glasses, and table linens, so make sure to ask about these fees when you're booking the wedding reception.
Clean-Up Fees
It's common for clean-up fees to be included in the price of venue rental but it's not a given, so check with your wedding planner or venue coordinator in case you'll be landed with a hefty charge the day after your nuptials.
Corkage
Another unexpected venue fee is corkage, when venues charge for the opening and serving of alcohol. Some venues only start charging for corkage after a certain hour so ask about their policy beforehand.
Wedding Party Gifts
You may want to buy gifts for your families, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the wedding party for all their help, but don't forget that even inexpensive gifts can add up when you're looking at a dozen or more people.
