Wedding Budget
Unexpected Wedding Costs & Ways to Maximize Your Wedding Budget
22 Mar 2024 •18 min read
If you’re planning a wedding for the first time, you may be surprised by how much each element of the wedding costs. When you start planning your wedding, it’s very important to create a firm budget and stick to it. But for most first-time planners, there are quite a few unexpected wedding costs that can sneak up on you throughout the planning process.
Nevertheless, it is totally possible to stay within budget as long as you plan ahead. Let's explore some of the most common unexpected wedding costs--and what you can do to avoid them.
Best Ways to Save Money for Your Dream Wedding Day
Even simple, intimate weddings can cost thousands of dollars, and it's often difficult for couples to keep those expenses down without sacrificing the quality of their big day. Still, there are plenty of ways you can save a few hundred dollars here and there and still get the wedding of a lifetime.
Take a look at these useful tips on how to save money on your wedding day and avoid unexpected wedding costs:
01. Forego Wedding Favors
When it comes to wedding favors, let's face it, unless they're edible, guests have a tendency to either misplace them or have no idea what to do with them and end up leaving them on the table.
Unless you have a brilliant, inexpensive favor idea that you know everyone will love, it’s an easy way to save some cash!
02. Pick Seasonal Flowers
We all know peonies are gorgeous flowers and could help elevate the aesthetic of your wedding, but unless your wedding coincides with their peak season (early spring-mid-summer), they’re going to cost you a fortune.
Instead, ask your florist for similar in-season suggestions or keep your arrangements simple. Small, non-imposing florals can still look amazing with the right design.
03. Reuse Flowers and Decor
A technique that we’ve been seeing a lot of lately that saves quite a bit of cash is to reuse the flowers and decor from the ceremony at the reception. You likely won't be using these wedding flowers anywhere else, so it's better to reuse them for other wedding venues instead of throwing them out.
Just remember, there will still be costs for the labor needed to move your decor.
04. Don’t Exclude DIY
If you still want that designer look and don’t mind putting in some extra time doing it yourself, there are plenty of pre-designed flower kits with step-by-step instructions you could buy online. This way, you’re getting exactly what you want while also saving a bit of cash!
Plus, you can even make DIY workshops a part of your pre-wedding events. Designing your invitations or arranging florals for your flower girls can be a fun activity for your bridal party or even your future spouse.
05. Use Real Flowers On Your Cake
Although we love wedding cakes that are decked out with flowers. But those sugar blooms take hours to make and end up costing a ton. Get a similar look for your wedding cake by using real flowers, which actually cost less! Talk to your florist or baker about food-safe options.
06. Take Advantage of Freebies and Offers
Another way to cut costs is by taking advantage of deals and promotions. A perfect example of this is Generation Tux, the leading brand for suits and tuxedo rentals. GenTux offers free swatches, a free home try-on, and a free suit or tux rental for the groom with just five paid rentals.
Instead of just saving money, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that by taking advantage of these offers, all of your groom’s men, including the groom, will be suited to perfection on your wedding day.
Similarly, you can save money on your wedding dress by renting one or buying a pre-loved gown. Platforms like Rowely offer a great selection of second-hand wedding gowns, shoes, and accessories that are in great condition but are only at a fraction of the retail price. However, keep in mind that you may have to spend it on wedding dress alterations if the gown doesn't fit you perfectly.
07. Consider Weekday Wedding Dates
It used to be that if you wanted to avoid the high price tag of booking a Saturday wedding, all you’d need to do was book for a Friday or Sunday and you’d save hundreds, if not more.
Now, post-pandemic, all weekend dates have become popular and, therefore, virtually the same price. So if you’re trying to catch a real discount, you’ll have to look earlier in the week for those lower prices.
Pro-tip: Another technique is to inquire about any unbooked dates your desired wedding venue may be trying to fill up as these dates can come at a discounted price.
08. Reserve Room Block
Another way to save big when it comes to guest accommodations is by reserving a room block at a hotel. For this deal to work properly you’ll need to reserve at least 10 rooms and will be saving you and your guests 15-40% off normal room fees.
Be sure to check the hotel's "attrition" policy beforehand, so you don't get stuck paying for rooms that your guests didn't book. You may also want to ask about a "courtesy room block" which typically doesn't require a deposit or hold you responsible financially for unbooked rooms.” Also as a courtesy to your guests, try to find one that's near your wedding venue.
09. Get The Digital Negatives
“Find a professional photographer that will give you full rights to your digital wedding photos,” Jenna advises, explaining that, “you'll be able to print them out at your discretion, and will save money by using less expensive printing options—or simply emailing the images to your loved ones!”
10. Limit The Plus-Ones
Extend a plus-one only to wedding guests who are married, engaged, in your wedding party, or in a serious long-term relationship. Beyond these, you shouldn’t feel obligated to offer a plus-one to every single guest.
Destination weddings are the exception: generosity is encouraged in this instance so that your guests don't have to fly solo. If you plan to have a destination wedding, make sure to send out your saved dates at least half a year in advance so guests are financially prepared.
Also, it's crucial that you encourage guests to RSVP ahead of time so you know exactly how many people are attending your wedding day. This helps you avoid unexpected wedding costs on extra catering or seats for unexpected guests.
11. Embrace “All Inclusive”
If your desired venue happens to offer an all-inclusive package we suggest you take your time to weigh the benefits. These packages typically contain an assortment of amenities and services that go well beyond the event space, such as catering, staff, alcohol, cakes, rentals, on-site coordination, and even guest accommodations.
The deals that all-inclusive packages offer are exceptional but can come at a personal price: you may not get everything exactly the way you want with their limited services.
12. Seek Out Sample Sales
These events can yield exclusive discounts on designer wedding dresses. Sign up for email updates from your favorite local bridal salons so you can stay up to date on any of their upcoming sale events.
Pro-tip: Arrive early (with an appointment, if required), wear your bridal undergarments, and know your size in advance. Also, don't forget to factor in the cost of possible alterations or professional dry cleaning.
13. Consider Digital Printing Over Letterpress
We all love that luxurious letterpress look and feel on our wedding stationery, but it isn’t cheap. Opting for digital printing–or at least limiting letterpress to your invites–will save you some serious cash.
14. Order Invitation Suites Online!
Instead of using a designer to create your wedding invitation suite and end up spending more time and money, by working with an online invitation vendor such as Minted you’ll be saving both.
Design studios and custom-printed invitations typically cost 6%-10% percent of your total wedding budget on average. With an online invitation vendor, you’ll spend only 2%-5% of your total budget on stationery.
15. RSVP Postcards With No Envelopes
The more pieces in your invitation suite, the more it’s going to cost to print. By cutting out unnecessary additions like a return envelope and using an RSVP postcard, you’ll save money on printing and postage.
Alternatively, create an RSVP page and send out a link or QR code to your guests so they can respond digitally.
16. Limit Your Bar Selection
An open bar can definitely get pricey. So, instead of serving a wide selection of cocktails and beers, opt for a red and white wine, limited beer choices, and a signature cocktail.
If you want to bring your own beverages, ask the venue about their corkage fees.
17. Make A Kids’ Menu
If you’re inviting children to your wedding, no need to serve them a five-course meal they likely won't eat. A menu of chicken fingers, mac and cheese, or other kid-friendly dishes will make them happy and save you some money.
18. Find Ways to Save on Your Beauty Budget
Pre-wedding beauty treatments are a must for most brides. These can include anywhere from haircuts and waxing services to nail appointments and spa days. Let's not forget the beauty treatments for your bridal party, too--most brides want to pay for these themselves out of courtesy.
To save on these costs, try looking for salons or independent beauticians who can offer you discounted rates in exchange for multiple clients.
19. Consider a More Affordable Bachelorette Party
Bachelorette parties don't have to be expensive. Instead of flying to Vegas or spending a thousand dollars on an expensive dinner, try something more intimate and affordable.
For example, you can host your bachelorette party at home and splurge on your favorite wine and foods. Or perhaps find a cute Airbnb in your city for a staycation.
Another great tip is to hold your bridal party and bachelorette party at once to save on extra costs. Plus, it will be easier for your guests to clear one day on their schedule for these events instead of two.
Unexpected Wedding Budget Expenses To Be Wary Of
There's a lot to consider when carefully crafting your big day budget, and there are so many unexpected wedding costs that can throw you for a loop. So before you lock in those line items, make sure to consider these sneaky wedding expenses that just might slip in.
Tax on Services
You’ll have to factor in taxes on wedding goods and services into your wedding budget. When budgeting for items like the dress or the food, don't forget to factor in sales tax (which can be up to 9.45% depending on what state you're purchasing in).
In certain states, you must also pay a service tax (so, for example, if you have to pay a 20% service fee on a $1000 item, you'll also need to pay a service tax on the $200). To avoid any confusion, ask vendors about the tax policy before signing any contracts.
If you have a wedding planner, ask them to calculate these taxes into your final bill.
Gratuity and Service Fees
On top of the cost for a service provided, you can also expect to pay a service fee. For example, your venue might charge you an additional 15%-20% of your bill to cover the costs of servers, waiters, and bartenders.
If you pay a service fee, you might also feel inclined to pay an additional gratuity on top of that. For vendors that don't charge a service fee, you can provide them with gratuity to signify a job well done.
Your Rain Plan
Having an outdoor wedding? Don't forget to consider the costs of your rain plan. If the plan is to set up a tent outdoors in the case of bad weather, make sure to budget the extra cost of the tent (keeping in mind that you often need to pay to reserve the tent, even if you don't use it).
Consider anything and everything that would cost extra if it rains—from additional staff to more chairs.
The Marriage License
Don't forget that making it official costs money too! Budget between $60-$100 dollars for your marriage license.
Delivery Costs
Make sure to check with your vendors to determine what kind of delivery costs you might rack up on the big day. Take special note of any delivery fees associated with the florist, rental company, or entertainment dropping off goods or equipment.
You may also need to pay for parking, so vendors can easily load and unload.
Rentals
While some venues provide you with complimentary use of their tables, chairs, linens and dinnerware, others do not. Before you sign your contract, determine whether or not your venue provides these things.
Otherwise, you'll need to factor in the cost of renting those items for each guest.
Transportation Services
Transporting your guests from their hotel to the wedding ceremony could come with additional costs. Don’t forget to plan for them!
If your hotel offers shuttle services, ask if they can offer discounted fees for your wedding party.
Gifts for the Wedding Party and Family Members
Traditionally, the couple gives a gift to each member of the wedding party, their parents, and any other family members playing a special role in the big day.
As a rule of thumb, budget anywhere between $25-$100 per gift.
Florals and Decor
Most people remember to budget for centerpieces, boutonnieres, and bouquets for the couple and the wedding party, but many forget about the extra flowers you'll also need.
It's customary for the couple to provide a corsage or boutonniere for the Mother and Father of the Bride and Groom, the ushers, the guest book monitor, and any family or friends sharing a reading during the event.
It's also important to remember any costs associated with petals for the flower girl or a toss bouquet for the reception, should you choose to have one.
Wedding Attire Fittings and Alterations
Clothing alterations are an important part of making sure everything is perfect for your big day. Make sure to leave room in your budget for them.
Depending on what needs to be done, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $1,000 on alterations.
Cleaning Fees
If you're paying a flat fee to rent out a space and not a full-service venue, expect additional charges for garbage removal (up to $250) and cleaning (up to $500).
Postage
Shape, weight, and additional embellishments determine the cost of your wedding postage for your wedding invitations. The standard rate for mailing a letter is $0.58.
Vendor Meals
It's customary to provide your on-site vendors with a meal during the event. Make sure you budget enough to pay for meals for your entertainment, wedding planner, venue manager, photographer, videographer, or any other staff that is on hand during the evening.
Cake Cutting Fees
Unless your venue is providing a cake, there's a good chance you'll be charged a cake-cutting fee. You can expect to pay an average of $1.50 per slice on top of what you've already paid for the cake.
Overtime Costs
Most wedding vendors are contracted for a specific amount of time, and if you go over that limit, you'll pay an additional fee (usually at a higher rate). What does that mean for you?
If you're having the best time and want to keep the bar open and the music going for another hour, it'll cost you!
Wedding Insurance
Wedding insurance helps cover unexpected expenses and additional fees if a significant change happens to your wedding plan.
Typically, wedding insurance covers things like vendor no-shows, cancellations made by the wedding venue, and canceled events due to sickness, injury, or military duty.
The Ultimate Guide for the Budget-Savvy Bride
If you thought you couldn’t get any more prepared as you enter the wedding planning process, think again. When you sign up for Loverly’s Masterclass you’ll have access to tons of videos and spreadsheets that'll keep you focused on your wedding budget breakdown, not to mention some pretty good perks and promotions at your fingertips too!
There are so many expenses and other unexpected wedding costs to consider, so don't miss out on these money-saving tips.
Find numerous tips for building your wedding budget!PLAN YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
About The Author
Kellee Khalil is the Founder & CEO of Loverly. She lives in upstate NY with her fiancé and two dogs.
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