Weddings cost money.  We all know that.  But how much money? Wedding planners have a good idea, but if you are newly engaged and have never thrown this type of party in your life, how are you supposed to know how much this is going to cost. So many couples go in with a general idea of how much they are willing to spend on this event, but end up going WAY over. Have you always wondered why that is? Well as it turns out, everyone remembers the venue, photographer, caterer, and DJ. But so few remember other details.  Those are the details that end up being necessary (or at least, you really want them!) so you end up going into debt over these things and spending way over what you imagined you would. That does not have to be you.  Be well informed.  Do your research before you set a budget and before you spend a penny.  Check out how much you will need to buy and see if you can afford it.  Cut things out where you can if you are either not interested or it is just too expensive. Just because everyone does it, does not mean you have to. Take some time to analyze your situation and do what you have to do. If you are wondering whether you have missed something, take some time to read our post and see for yourself! There are a lot of hidden costs involved in wedding planning.  Write down the ones you want to include in your big day and get rid of the rest.

1. Wedding invites

It is something we all need for our wedding day, yet we somehow forget that this can easily run us $200+.  If you want to be creative, consider making your own and save A LOT! If not, go online, get an idea on how much wedding invites cost, how much you will need and determine how much you need to save for this.

2. Postage

Yep, after you get the wedding invitations, you must mail them! And that costs money.  This is a quickly forgotten part of the process that can run us another $100 or so, depending on how much you’re mailing.

3. Rehearsal Outfits & other Pre Wedding activities

So you have your gown and everything lined up, but are you planning to wear some other new clothing for pre-wedding activities? Think rehearsal dinner.  If you plan to wear something you already have, no worries here! You can save yourself a bit of money.  But if you do, remember to keep it in mind and start looking for a good price.

4. Accessories

Your gown is good to go, but are your accessories? You can save a bit (and keep it sentimental!), by wearing family heirlooms as accessories! But also keep in mind that you may need special undergarments for that gown that cost a quite a bit.  Check out what you need and make appropriate plans!

5. Tips & Gratuities

You may have already made all your payments, but are you planning to tip anyone? This can easily add up, so plan it into your budget so it is not a last-minute surprise!

6. Hair & Makeup Trials

Are you planning to get your hair and makeup professionally done? Do you want to see what it is going to look and feel like before your big day? That’s totally understandable! But keep in mind that you will have to pay for these trials out of pocket.  So although it does not add up to wedding day costs, it is wedding related so jot down the price for that!

7. Feeding your Vendors

You submitted a guest list to the venue with who wants steak and who wants chicken.  That’s 100 plates of food.  Wonderful.  But did you remember to count your 10 vendors who will be there with you? Typically, contracts state that you are required to feed them so keep them in mind when submitting a guest count for food.  This can quickly add up, so don’t forget!

8. The Marriage License

Something else that is totally required but no one remembers! Prices vary depending on where you live, but budget yourself around $100 to be safe. This means going to the courthouse, signing the papers and getting it returned in the mail after you are legally married.

9. Gifts for bridal party & parents

Are you planning to give gifts? You totally don’t have to, but if you are, you have to keep it in mind.  The easiest way to do this is to budget how much you want to spend per person. Then look for gifts according to that.  It is a lot easier to stay on track that way instead of saying “I want to spend X amount” and then not know how to budget yourself to make it last.

10. A Wedding Night Hotel Room

Are you planning to spend the night anywhere after your wedding? Some people go straight to a honeymoon so there’s no need.  Others, go back home.  But if you are some of the few who want to spend your first night as a married couple in a hotel, know that it is an added expense that can vary depending on what you want.

11. Day of Coordinator

Are you planning to hire a day of coordinator? It’s funny, because most people are not, until the very end.  Then they realize they do need one and they are already way out of money, so it is on the card it goes (and throws off the budget by at least another $500.

12. Deliveries

Cake deliveries, catering, photobooth, rentals… all these things are usually a fixed price for the item, but you may have to pay a delivery fee.  These are usually hidden and not disclosed up front, so be sure to ask! Well there you have it! All the fees and hidden expenses you may not be aware of. If you think of any other ones, let us know in the comments! Happy Planning!