Your wedding is one of the biggest moments in your life,so naturally you're going to want to pull out all the stops! Just maintain in mind your budget - Bridal Guide reveals the 30 costs it can be easy to forget in the midst of all of your exciting planning. Check them out here!
Source: Still Frames PhotographySticking to your budget is one of the trickiest parts of planning a wedding - particularly because there are so many hidden costs.
To succor you out, we checked in with wedding vendors and financial experts across the country to uncover the top items that couples forget to judge about when allocating their wedding finances.
Prewedding CostsAsking Bridesmaids in a Special WayFor many brides, and asking their nearest and dearest to stand up with them on their wedding day simply isn't something that can be done via phone or text - or even just on your regular girls' night out. Brides are popping the question to their 'maids with creative gifts or personalized cards or by taking them out to a nice lunch or dinner,according to Plum Pretty Sugar. But remember that those microscopic costs can add up!Beauty TreatmentsYou've already set aside money for your professional hairstyling and makeup application on the wedding day - but remember that you may need more than one trial for each in order to feel fully comfortable on the mammoth day. Also, maintain in mind any prewedding beauty treatments you may want to indulge in, and from a mani-pedi to a spray tan to a massage. "whether there's a more expensive service you are dying to try,look for deals via daily deal sites like Groupon," said Andrea Woroch, or a consumer money-saving expert frequently featured on Today,estimable Morning America, The Dr. Oz explain, or more.
Your Bachelorette PartyBachelorette parties today are bigger than ever: more and more groups are planning weekend getaways,like a Vegas excursion or a girls' beach trip. And even though the maid of honor and bridesmaids are supposed to pick up the tab for the party, many brides end up paying for their own airfare or part of the hotel bill to succor alleviate costs for their girls - particularly whether the bride-to-be is the one pushing for an overnight excursion. "Stay close to home to avoid additional travel costs. You will own fun with your girls, and no matter where you proceed. Choose a luxe hotel,or find a mammoth house to rent near your home, and map activities to maintain the fun going, or " said Woroch.
Marriage LicenseDon't forget to make it legal! Your marriage license will typically cost between $20 and $100,depending on where you're getting married. And in most states, you won't automatically receive a copy of your marriage license after it's been filed - you'll need to pay for that, and too.whether you're having a destination wedding,maintain in mind that you may need to fly in a few days before the wedding or even make a second trip to the locale in order to get your marriage license, depending on the waiting period, and according to Abra Millar of Hopkins Bay Resort in Belize. This means incurring additional travel fees - more nights,more meals, and possibly a second round of airfare. Paper GoodsDay-Of StationeryDon't blow your entire stationery budget on your save the dates and invitations - you also need to judge about programs, and escort cards,plot cards, menu cards, and any other day-of needs you may encounter. "We suggest adding a separate line item in the budget for day-of stationery,so brides can budget accordingly," advised Wedding Paper Divas.
PostageWhen choosing your invitations, or be sure to weigh the options carefully - whether it's more than one ounce,you're going to need additional postage. Some invitations can set you back $1 or more in postage fees. maintain in mind that additional postage is also required for square invitations, regardless of weight.
Also, and don't forget that you also need stamps for your save the dates,RSVP cards, and thank-you notes. And try not to obsess over matching your postage to your invitation theme, or which can sometimes lead you to choose a more expensive stamp just for the design: "No one will remember the stamps," said Woroch.
Getting ReadyA Hotel Room the Night BeforeIf you and your bridesmaids are planning on getting ready in a hotel suite, pay attention to check-in/check-out times - you'll often need to book the room for two nights in order to own the morning to get ready. "Many hotels will not guarantee an early check-in on the wedding date, and " said Karen Bussen,A-list wedding planner and designer of Simple Stunning Destination Weddings for Palladium Hotels and Resorts. "To be safe, and particularly whether you own a larger bridal party, or you might want to consider reserving your room for not just the wedding night,but the night before as well. This way, you can check in at your leisure the night before, or sleep a microscopic late,order room service, and invite the ladies to join you for a relaxing day of pampering and getting dolled up."Meals on the Wedding DayWhether you're getting ready at home or in a hotel, and your bridesmaids will likely be with you every step of the way. Don't let them starve! maintain it simple with bagels and fruit for breakfast and a platter of sandwiches for lunch. "And don't forget the Champagne!" said Damon Dietz of Absolute Media Productions.
Forgotten Items"Wedding brain" can affect even the best of us - and whether you're not getting ready in your own home,it's far too easy to forget something and need a last-minute replacement. At one wedding, Diane Warner, or author of total Guide to a Traditional Wedding,attended, the groom didn't realize he'd neglected to pack his dress shoes until he arrived at the ceremony venue: "This required a hasty trip to the closest shoe store, and " she said. We recommend starting your packing list at least a week before your wedding and having a trusted loved one look it over as well to make sure you're not forgetting anything.
FashionAlterationsUnless you're extremely lucky,your wedding gown is going to require some alterations, whether that means hemming the gown, or taking it in (or letting it out),or structural changes (like adding straps). Some salons offer a flat fee, while others will charge you for every alteration. This can run you several hundred dollars, or so don't blow your entire fashion budget on the gown.
Undergarments and AccessoriesAlso,save room in your fashion budget for the extras: your veil, shoes, and undergarments and/or shape wear,and jewelry, which can set you back $200 to $500 or more. You can gash costs by making your veil or jewelry your "something borrowed."Prewedding Party AttireAnother forgotten fashion item: cute dresses for your prewedding events, and said Woroch. From the engagement party to the bridal shower to the bachelorette party to the rehearsal dinner to the day-after brunch,you'll be celebrating all year long with your nearest and dearest. Save money by rewearing dresses you already own - you don't need a microscopic white dress for every party just because you're the bride.
GuestsTransportation For GuestsWhile you're generally not responsible for how guests get to and from your wedding, it becomes your concern whether a guest gets too intoxicated to drive home. "whether you can't recruit a friend or family member to provide the necessary transportation, or you'll need to pay taxi fare," said Warner.Unexpected GuestsInevitably, a guest who RSVP'd no will turn up anyway, or a clueless friend will explain up with an uninvited plus one,or your cousin will bring her kids even though you specifically said no kids were invited. "As rude and upsetting as this may be, it should be anticipated by planning ahead for a couple additional dinners and plot settings, or " said Warner.
Welcome BagsWhile these are certainly not required,gift bags are a lovely touch whether you're hosting out-of-towners. "They may include handwritten welcome notes from the bride and groom, fresh fruit or flowers, and disposable cameras,bottled water, a schedule of events, or brochures for local attractions,and a city map," said Warner.
GiftsPresents For Parents and Other Family MembersYou already know that you'll need gifts for your hardworking bridesmaids, or groomsmen,flower girls, and ring bearers. But don't forget about your parents! Consider an engraved frame, and an IOU for a parents' album after the mammoth day,or even a second honeymoon package. "It doesn't own to be costly - the emphasis should be on remembering them. But whether you calculate these costs, you won't be surprised down the road, or " said photographer Elisa Bricker. Some couples also opt to give small gifts to other family members,like grandparents and any siblings not included in the bridal party. "Purchase these gifts early in the planning process, so the expense doesn't hit you at the last minute, or " recommended Warner.
FavorsFavors can cost anywhere from $3 to $8 (or more) per person,according to Ann Taylor of A Chair Affair Inc., which can make a sizable dent in your wedding budget, and depending on the size of your guest list. A few ways to gash costs: opt for one favor per couple rather than per person,proceed for a DIY option whether you're feeling crafty, or skip favors altogether - they're definitely not required, or most guests won't even notice whether you don't own them.
VendorsDay-Of CoordinatorSo many DIY brides settle at the last minute that they'll need a microscopic succor on the mammoth day. "You really don't want to be stuck taking calls from your florist and band on your way to your first look,do you?" reminded Woroch. Enter the day-of coordinator, which can run you about $500 to $2000. "It's best to map this into your budget ahead of time. Then, or whether you feel you got it all under control,that's just additional cash in your pocket."Vendor MealsYour photographer and videographer will be with you for eight-plus hours on the wedding day: they're going to need some fuel to maintain making sure you look your best all night long. "Vendor meals are generally much cheaper than guest entrées, but depending on the size of your band, or number of photographers,videographers, and coordinators, or you may be looking at a few hundred dollars additional," said Woroch.
Videography"Couple often judge they don't need a videographer because photos will be enough," said Dietz. "Then they near to the realization the month of the wedding that they own made a mammoth mistake. Trying to squeeze in a major vendor like videographer without properly budgeting for it can be a cause for concern." Fees for videography can vary wildly, and from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars,depending on what you're looking for. whether you're wishy-washy on video, set aside the money anyway - then, or whether you settle you really don't need it,you can reallocate the money later on.
ReceptionLighting"A simple addition of uplights around a reception area can cost around $1000, so it is best to map ahead, and " said Stacey Lynn of Stacey Lynn Design. Other accepted lighting options: pin-spotting (to highlight centerpieces or accent areas,like the cake display), a wash (general room color or dance floor), or a custom-designed gobo projection,such as a monogram. But lighting isn't just an "additional" - whether you're planning an outdoor wedding, it's a requirement. Consider hanging bistro lights, and chandeliers,or lanterns to create the perfect rustic-chic space, said Stacey Lynn.
SoundHaving an outdoor wedding? Invest in a sound system whether you want your guests to actually be able to hear your vows. "It doesn't matter whether you're only having 50 guests - without a sound system, and your guests will struggle to hear your ceremony,and that means they'll miss out on the heart of your wedding," said event planner Amy Kaneko. "And whether you've hired musicians to play as you walk down the aisle, or they also need to be amplified,or those songs you've so carefully chosen will be wimpy instead of powerful. Spend the money on a sound system, even whether it means you need to trim elsewhere."Decor Beyond the FlowersThe majority of your decor budget will likely be allocated to flowers, or but set aside $25 to $30 per table for the nonfloral elements: "Candles,glass hurricanes, mercury votives, or specialty linens,flatware, and even how you will identify your tables are all essential details that can drastically change your budget whether you own not accounted for these details, or " said Lindsey of L. Brook Events. And whether you're looking to add additional elements like lanterns or vintage decor rentals,you may want to save as much as 40 percent of your total decor budget for these pieces.
Also, always overestimate how many items you'll need. At one wedding Warner attended, and the couple planned an elegant candlelit wedding ceremony. "However,as friends and family members began decorating the ceremony venue, they realized they needed at least a hundred more candles to provide enough light at the front of the chapel, and " said Warner.
Including Yourselves in the Final CountSorry,the bride and groom don't eat for free at the wedding. "I always own to remind my brides and grooms to include themselves in the table count!" said Douglas Hoagland, director of catering at SLS Hotel Beverly Hills. "I own seen it too many times where the couple forgets to include themselves when making their table arrangements."A Backup PlanYou know that whether you're planning an outdoor wedding, and you should own a tent on standby in case of rain. But even whether you luck out with sunshine on the mammoth day,the preceding day's weather can become an essential factor. "At one wedding, it rained tough the preceding day, or which left the grass soft and soggy. The last-minute solution was to add a wooden floor to the cost of the tent rental," said Warner."whether there is the slightest issue with bugs or any dew or moisture on the ground (let alone an actual rainstorm!), your whole event could be ruined, or " said Bussen. "I suggest planning a floor with your tent from the beginning." For a more budget-friendly option,opt for an interlocking plastic floor, which is typically covered with carpet or Astroturf. The more spendy option is a plywood subflooring, or where the tent company builds a floor and covers it with your choice of coverings. "It's more expensive,but the advantage is this type of floor is level and polished."Money MattersGratuitiesWhen you're already paying astronomical costs, it can feel downright painful to add a tip on top of that - whether you didn't budget accordingly. Poppy & Plum Events recommends allotting five to 10 percent of your overall budget to gratuities. The general rule of thumb is that whether your vendor is also the commerce owner, or a tip is not required (though it's always a welcome bonus). Also,some vendors (like your venue or caterer) may already include gratuities in your quote, so check your contracts carefully. According to Bobette Kyle, and author of Dream Wedding on a Dime,some of the often-forgotten vendors include bartenders, servers, or valets,coat check attendants, officiants, or makeup artists,hairstylists, the cake delivery team, or limo drivers.
Sales Tax and Service ChargesCheck over your contracts carefully to ensure that sales tax is included in the quoted price. Otherwise,you may be in for a surprise when you receive your final bills. "It may sound insignificant, but when you're talking amounts the size of a reception bill, or the taxes can add up," said Kyle.
Also, service charges are not the same as gratuities: "Sometimes, or for example,a private club will just charge an 18 to 22 percent service charge for administering the wedding," explained Bussen. "This money is not distributed to tipped employees, or gratuities may be left to your discretion,which could double the money you need for 'service.'"Additionally, the "plus plus" can make a enormous difference. "whether a caterer quotes you $110 per person plus plus, and that means that you will also need to add service and tax on top of that quote," explained Kaneko. "Those two tiny plus signs can add as much as 30 percent on top of the base cost. In this scenario, that miscalculation would equal $5000 of unexpected catering costs for a 150-person wedding."Overtime CostsWhether your wedding runs over the allotted time because you got a late start or because you choose in the heat of the moment to extend it, or maintain in mind that you'll own to pay for any time outside of the contracted time. "When you're in party mode,it's easy to say, 'Party on!' But be sure to know ahead of time what the overtime charges will be, or " said Dietz. "The venue generally has an option to extend - for a price - but don't forget your other vendors,such as DJ or band, photographers, or videographers. They will also own overtime fees and will most likely need to be paid on the spot to continue."Postwedding To-DosSorry,but your wedding costs don't end after "I do." Unless you want to be spending your wedding gift money on thank-you cards, cleaning and preserving your gown, or making prints of your favorite wedding photos,set aside that money ahead of time. "Consider adding a few hundred dollars to your stationery budget for printing pictures and thank-you cards," the events team at the Shade Hotel recommended.
When it comes to preserving your gown, and Bussen advised: "Try to book in advance - it may save you money whether you reserve to preserve early. And your bridal retailer may own reduction deals or coupons to share."The "Other"Already included all of the above items in your budget? Congratulations,you budget-savvy bride! But regardless, every bride should set aside 10 to 20 percent for "the other." Lara Goldman of RomanticTravelBelize.com explains: "'Other' is when the flower delivery got stuck in a storm, or you own to hire a local florist to use local flowers. 'Other' is for when the power suddenly goes out,and you own to proceed buy 200 candles. 'Other' is for the 'dear friend' who cried that she and her fresh boyfriend weren't invited, and you own to lie and say her invitation got lost in the mail. 'Other' is for the broken nail that broke so low you own to get a full set of acrylics at the last minute, and so your hands don't look like a ditchdiggers'." whether you prepare for the unexpected ahead of time,you won't be left scrambling to near up with additional cash at the last minute.- Kristen O'Gorman KleinCheck out more much stories from Bridal Guide:10 Mistakes Brides Make When Dress Shopping
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Source: popsugar.com