You’ve made a budget and checked it twice. But even the most thorough bride is sure to forget a few line items, our experts warn. So leave only delightful surprises for your big day by checking your budget against these hidden costs you can’t afford to forget.
1. Stamps. They may be small, but stamps can be a mighty cost. “Stamps are so important to factor into the costs of the save-the-dates and wedding invitations,” says Alicia Matsumoto, owner of Bespoke Design in California. And it’s not just the 49-cent price tags that quickly add up. Matsumoto says that if you fall head-over-heels for a thick or multi-piece invitation suite, you can expect to pay more in postage than you would for a simple flat card.
2. Shipping costs. You’re saving a bundle by ordering online—or so you think, until you see that package of mason jars will cost you hundreds in shipping fees. “It's easy to order wedding items and—even if the items don't have a high price tag themselves—watch as the cost of the shipping adds up and makes the items unaffordable,” says Matsumoto. “So just be smart when hitting that 'buy now' button!”
3. Gratuities. Tipping your wait staff, bartender, valet, or even security personnel is not always added into your final bill. “Most vendors are in the service industry,” says Matsumoto, “and it's considered good etiquette to tip them accordingly for all their help on your big day.” Check to see if showing your appreciation has been built into your contract and if not, says Matsumoto, “it's a good idea to create line items in your budget to track these costs.”
4. Hotel costs. You may have built into your budget a suite for sexy time on your wedding night, but Matsumoto says many brides forget to budget for a room to get ready—which means booking the night before the big day—or any hotel costs incurred when you travel to scout vendors for a destination wedding. “Additionally, decide if you are footing the bill for any of your wedding party or family members and make sure you include this in your wedding budget,” Matsumoto advises.
5. Welcome bags. Offering goodies to out-of-town guests is always a sweet gesture—but sometimes, Matsumoto warns, it can be an expensive one is ways you didn’t anticipate. “Even if it appears you can afford welcome bags in your budget, make sure you're not forgetting any costs that come along with these fun gifts,” she says. “Who is delivering the bags to all the hotels? Will you need to hire someone?” Not only that, she adds, but many hotels will charge a fee—per bag!—to deliver your wares to guests’ rooms.
6. Delivery fees. You’re paying so much for that delicious three-tiered confection that you can’t imagine another cost could come with it. But your cake—along with your rental items, flowers, lighting, or sound systems—could come with an additional delivery fee. “If you are having anything delivered for your wedding, make sure the delivery and pickup fees are on the contract,” Matsumoto says. “Also, find out if there will be additional costs should you need a late night strike or a timed delivery.”
7. Alterations. Says Matsumoto, “The price of your wedding day outfit comes to more than the cost of the dress.” Depending on your wedding dress—and whether it’s made from silk, satin, or draped entirely in beads—your alteration costs could climb close to the cost of the dress itself. Add to that, Matsumoto says, you must factor in “steaming and dry cleaning following the event, which can add on a large percentage of the price.”