We don’t want to burst your just engaged bubble, but wedding budgets are a big deal.
If you plan your budget correctly and thoroughly you’ll soon get to all the exciting parts like choosing your venue and shopping for the dress. One thing, or rather 15 things we don’t want you to forget are hidden costs – never thought about what they could be? Let us share our insider secrets to ensure you don’t get caught out…
1. Hair & Makeup Trials
It is so important to love your hair and makeup on the day so trials are pretty crucial. Make sure you find out if they are included in your package price.
2. Beauty Prep
Don’t forget to include any pre-wedding beauty prep such as facials, skincare, teeth whitening, spray tan and nails. All these treatments will soon add up.
3. Wedding morning outfits
You and your girls will need special getting ready pjs and robes for all those wedding prep photos – don’t forget to add them into your budget!
4. Alterations
If the bridal boutique offer in-house alterations check if any alterations are included in the price, if not ask their advice for their recommended seamstresses to ensure your dress gets the treatment it deserves.
5. Underwear
Choosing the perfect underwear is paramount to ensure your dress is worn to its best and good underwear is not cheap! You won’t regret this important purchase, but make sure to include it within your budget.
6. Supplier meals
It’s polite to feed your photographer and videographer on the wedding day, they are capturing the magic of your day and working very hard doing it.
7. Gifts
The cost of gifts will soon add up when you include your bridal party, parents and anyone who has helped with your wedding day that you feel deserves a thank you.
8. Postage
It happens all the time, your stationery is printed and ready to go but you forget about the cost of postage! With a large number of invites to get in the post this is one area that can soon add up.
9. Admin fees
From marriage courses, hire fees, essential admin such as changing your passport and driving licence it is very easy for general wedding admin costs to soon tally up. It’s wise to have a quick general guide price for everything involved and set that aside.
10. Thank you cards
One way of not forgetting your thank you card costs is to order them along with your other stationery – changes are you’ll be living life a little more frugal once the day is over, so best to get that cost out of the way early.
11. Week before extras
Trust us, the week before will zoom by in a flash and there will always be last minute little things to pick up. Unity candles, flower girl shoes, dancing shoes, ring box – you will have a list of things to sort which all require cash.
12. Hen/Stag party
Typically you don’t have to contribute to your hen or stag party it’s a good idea to keep some money aside for hair, makeup, nails, a new outfit etc.
13. Parents gifts/flowers
They deserve a little something after all, just remember to budget for it so you are not surprised closer to the time.
14. Corkage fees
If you plan to supply your own alcohol you should discuss this with your venue at the beginning. Ensure you find out exactly what their corkage fee is before you head on a wine shopping spree. Every hotel will have their own fees so make sure you do your sums well in advance as it may work out cheaper to order your wine and Champagne from the hotel.
15. Accommodation for night before
If you plan to stay at the venue the night before your wedding take this cost into your overall venue costings – don’t forget your bridesmaids or family that may be staying with you.
