O’Malley Photography
Okay, so first things first – don’t get overwhelmed, we’re here to help! So, there might be a few things you’re missing on that wedding budget list of yours (oops). But no worries, we’ve got you covered! If you want to be stress-free on your wedding day and assure that every penny is put in its proper place, then make sure you can check off every item from the list below. Happy budgeting!
- Hotel room for the night before and the night of the wedding
This is one of the most commonly overlooked costs in every wedding budget. It’s so important to pay attention to check-in times at the hotel where you will getting ready at on the day of the wedding. If the check-in time is not early enough in the day, you may have to reserve the room for the night before. That way, you can leisurely start getting ready at whatever time you like! If you’re getting ready at the same hotel that your wedding is being held, then sometimes the night before is included in the wedding package! - Marriage License
The cost of marriage licenses vary by state – but be sure to account for about $20 to $100 for this in your budget. - Breakfast/lunch for the bridal party on the wedding day
Your bridal party is going to be with you throughout every step of the wedding day – so they better be well fed to keep up all that energy! Keep it simple by having a small breakfast buffet station in the room where you’re getting ready. Pastries, fruit, and avocado toast (obviously) will do! For lunch, offer sandwiches to everyone before the festivities get started. - Tips for vendors
Your vendors are going above and beyond to make your day the best one yet, they deserve a little something extra for all of their hard work! You should definitely allot 5-10% of your overall budget to gratuities. That is, if the vendor doesn’t already include gratuities in the total. - Day-of stationery
It’s not all about the save-the-dates and invitations! Make sure you don’t forget about including escort cards, place cards, and menu cards for the day of into your overall stationery budget.
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- Dress alterations
Unless you’re the luckiest bride on planet earth, chances are you’re not going to find a wedding dress that fits perfectly. Alterations can cost several hundreds of dollars and up – it’s important to keep that in mind! - Undergarments and accessories
This one is pretty self-explanatory. The perfect dress needs the perfect bra, duh! And don’t forget about the jewelry, shoes, and veil! - Wedding day transportation to and from the nearest hotel
If you’re having a destination wedding and guests are staying at a hotel nearby – don’t forget to provide them with transportation to and from the hotel! You don’t want to take any risks with drunk driving on your wedding night. - Gifts for bridal party and parents
It’s so important to thank your parents and bridal party for dealing with your craziness during the entire wedding planning process! A little gift will do the trick. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, either – just something small to say thanks for all their endless support and love! - Vendor meals
Your guests aren’t the only ones who need to eat! Your vendors are going to need some much-needed fuel, especially around dinnertime. We suggest allocating a few hundred dollars extra for their meals! - Don’t forget to include yourselves in the meal count!
We’ve found that so many brides and grooms completely forget to calculate themselves into the meal count (totally understandable but like… no free food, sorry). - Post-wedding costs
So, you’ve just spent so much on your wedding and the day has finally come! The last thing you want to do is have more expenses to take care of after the fact. Some post-wedding costs to consider are thank-you cards, making prints of your wedding photos, and cleaning your gown! - Wedding favors
This may come as a shock, but one of the most commonly overlooked wedding costs is wedding favors! The total amount will – of course – vary by how many guests will be in attendance, but they should cost about $2 to $8 each.
Evermine Weddings
- Vendor travel
If you’re absolutely in love with a vendor that isn’t based in your wedding’s geographic location, keep in mind that you may have to pay for their airfare and accommodations during your wedding weekend. Check with your vendors first – they will most likely have a travel and lodging fee outlined in their contract. - Welcome bags
If your guests are traveling to your wedding from out of town, welcome bags are a great way to start the weekend off right! Work with the hotel to place the welcome bags in each room before the guests arrive. We suggest allotting $5 to $15 per welcome bag.
The Gift Insider
- Account for overtime costs
It can be easy for the schedule to not go as planned on the wedding day. So, if the party goes past the contracted time, overtime costs will start to kick in. As long as you’re prepared for the unexpected and know what the charges are, it shouldn’t be a problem! - Small décor pieces
A lot more goes into the wedding day décor besides flowers. Don’t forget about the little things that add up like the bar signs, welcome signs, and napkin treatments! - Pre-wedding pampering
Don’t forget to account for some pre-wedding pampering such as getting that necessary mani-pedi, facial, or maybe even a massage to calm those pre-wedding nerves.
