With a to do list and budget as long as a book, you are bound to miss a couple of things that need to be budgeted for. So to help remind you of a few things that might not have crossed your mind, we have come up with a list of things that are most often forgotten.
10 Wedding Expenses You Probably Forgot To Plan For:
- Officiant Fee - Most people don't really think to discuss fee with their appointed officiant, especially if its someone they know or someone who's in their church.
- Rehearsal Dinner - Some bridal couples might not think about the dinner that might go with the rehearsal. Especially if the rehearsal falls in the evening around the time the wedding will take place. To cut costs you could make a snack table with some figure foods for people to help themselves as the evening goes on. This way you avoid the formal sit down dinner.
- Wedding Dress Alteration & Steaming - All brides budget for the wedding dress, but sometimes the dress doesn't fit as perfectly as thought. Alteration fees and even steaming of the dress might need to be added to the budget, depending on the wedding dress vendor. Make sure you get a detailed quotation from them and that it is in writing.
- Reception Exit Dress & Shoes - When it's all done and the party is over, you might want to think of something special to wear as you exit your wedding reception. It might be a bit difficult or uncomfortable driving a long distance or even just getting into the car with your groom with a big wedding dress on.
- Undergarments & Accessories - Again this might be something that could be a bit expensive if not budgeted for. Remember its not just for the wedding night, but also for the honeymoon.
- Beauty Treatments - Even if you decide to do your own nails, hair and make up, make sure you make a detailed list of things to get. Remember if you do decide to change your hair color, do it at least 2 weeks before hand, so if something goes wrong, you will have more than enough time to fix it.
- Bridal Party Thank You Gifts - For all the hard work and effort your close friends and family do to help you on your wedding day, they deserve a thank you. This thank you doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, you can think of something small as a thank you gift, it's the thought that counts. (see bridal thank you gift ideas blog)
- Back up Plan: As a back up plan, I don't mean having an extra groom at the back of the ceremony hall in case yours decides to fly the coop. The weather is not in our hands, and especially if your planning on getting married outside and the weather doesn't play along, you need to have a back up plan. These things could cost extra money, if you need to rent a more expensive venue or rent a tent to fit all your guests.
- Clean up & Break Down: It's easy to forget about the clean up and breakdown since you will not be there to help sort everything out. But to avoid any additional costs from your venue you might want to think about asking some of your friends and family to stay behind to pack up and clean a little.
- Overtime fees: Make sure you read the contracts you have with your vendors. Most if not all of them will have an extra hourly rate for overtime. Make sure you check the timing and give yourself at least 1 hour grace time, when you book your vendors.
If you have thought of all these little details and have your budget under control you are a the ultimate bride / wedding planner. If not, you are not the only one....I would suggest to put a 10% buffer on your wedding budget just for that one or two things that you might not have thought of. This way even if you don't use it, you have that something extra for your honeymoon.
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