As you meticulously craft your wedding budget, diligently accounting for every item, from the venue to the delicate intricacies of bridal accessories, it’s easy to believe you’ve covered all bases. Yet, amidst the excitement and anticipation, some hidden wedding costs can impact your budget. Today, we’re pulling back the veil and uncovering these hidden wedding costs so you won’t be shocked on your way down the aisle.
Hidden wedding costs you need to know about
Venue fees
The first hidden wedding cost that couples often don’t know about is venue fees. Many wedding venues have additional charges beyond the rental fee, such as service charges, cleaning fees, and even gratuities. These costs can add up significantly and catch couples off guard if they’re not factored into the initial budget. It’s essential to thoroughly review the contract and inquire about all potential fees before committing to a venue to avoid any later surprises.
Postage
Imagine the excitement of crafting your dream wedding invitations, each detail carefully chosen to reflect your love story. But just when you think you’ve dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s, there’s a surprise waiting around the corner: postage fees! Yes, those little stamps that hold the key to mailing out your love-filled invites can add up faster than you might expect.
It’s important to know that the size, shape and weight of your invitations all impact how much your postage fees will cost.
Gratuities
The next hidden fee often overlooked in wedding planning is gratuities for vendors. While you diligently budget for your vendors‘ services, you may forget to account for gratuities, which can quickly add up.
From the catering staff to the DJ or band, photographers, and beyond, many vendors appreciate a tip for their exceptional service on your big day. It’s essential to inquire about the customary gratuity expectations for each vendor and factor these additional costs into your budget to ensure everyone involved feels appreciated for their hard work and dedication to making your wedding unforgettable.
Cake cutting fees
Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favourite part of the wedding—the cake! While you’re busy envisioning tiers of deliciousness and debating between buttercream and fondant, there’s a hidden fee lurking in the frosting: cake-cutting fees.
Yes, you heard that right! Many venues and caterers charge a fee for the privilege of slicing and serving your beautiful wedding cake. It’s a detail that often slips under the radar amidst all the other planning excitement. By being aware of these fees upfront and factoring them into your budget, you can ensure that your cake remains the sweet centrepiece of your reception without any surprises.
Food & drink service fees, taxes, gratuities
Another place where you’ll find hidden wedding costs is on your food and beverage bill. Taxes, service fees, gratuities, and even corkage fees can quickly add up and catch you off guard if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s crucial to read and thoroughly understand your catering contract and ask questions.
Don’t just focus on the menu; pay close attention to the fine print to ensure unexpected expenses do not blindside you. By clarifying these details upfront, you can avoid any unwelcome surprises, keep your budget on track, and still enjoy a fantastic culinary experience on your special day.
Overtime fees
Another hidden wedding cost that often goes overlooked is overtime charges. While you may have meticulously planned out your wedding day timeline, unexpected delays can happen, pushing your celebration beyond the contracted hours with your vendors.
Whether it’s extending the reception to keep the party going or needing extra time for setup and breakdown, many vendors charge steep fees for overtime services. These additional charges can quickly eat into your budget if you’re unprepared for them. To avoid getting caught off guard, it’s essential to discuss overtime policies with your vendors upfront and factor potential overtime fees into your budget. This way, you can dance the night away without worrying about breaking the bank.
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