For a select few, the word “budget” has never crossed their lips…cheers to you lucky few!  But for most, a wedding budget is essential; no matter how big or how small.  Keeping track of your costs and knowing exactly where you want to spend or splurge is imperative during the wedding planning process. Preparing a comprehensive budget will ensure that you know exactly what you can spend on your wedding, including all of those individual items that are significant (and specific) to your wedding vision.

When it comes to creating your budget, the obvious include venue, attire, vendors, catering and bar costs, wedding cake and dessert, transportation, invitations, hair, makeup and ceremony costs.  However, there are some costs that couples don’t think about, forget about or didn’t even know existed that will likely pop up weeks before you say “I do”; leaving that “comprehensive budget” with some room for error.  And believe us, you don’t want any surprises days before you get married. Read on to see the list we have compiled of some of the most missed items in a couple’s wedding budget.

Tips and Gratuity

When you are already digging deep into your pockets for your wedding expenses, calculating tips and making room in your budget can be a bit daunting. We suggest that when you book your vendors, determine how much you would like to tip them and then put that money aside (plus maybe a little extra) so you are not scrambling the week…or the day of!  Tipping wedding vendors isn’t a one size fits all task. Gratuities for vendors are based on who the professional is and the scope of their involvement.  Take into consideration the amount of time the vendor puts in before, during and after your wedding day. It is important to remember that tipping wedding vendors is always appreciated for a job well done, as well as a kind way to say thank you.  For some expert advice on tipping your vendors take a look at our blog, Tips on Tipping…A Guide to Wedding Day Gratuities.

Wedding Day Stationery

Couples may think that wedding day stationery ends with save the dates and invitations…an honest mistake but a recipe for budget disaster.  Wedding day stationery also includes ceremony programs, dinner menu cards, escort cards, and table numbers or signage. We suggest separating your paper goods into two separate line items on your budget, to ensure that you have no financial surprises.

Postage

When it comes to wedding stationery, most couples may forget to include the cost of postage in their budget.  You will need postage for any traditional save the dates, invitations and RSVP cards that will be sent back to you. Postage can add up quickly, and weight and shape of the stationery also needs to be considered. Oftentimes a wedding invitation suite will cost more than one single stamp.

Beauty Trials

While we are certain you budgeted for your wedding day hair and makeup, professionals will likely also charge for beauty trials before your services.  The thought of spending even more money within this category may seem rather bothersome, however we highly suggest working with these artists before your wedding day to avoid any disappointment or confusion on the day of your wedding.

Marriage License

Don’t forget to leave some money in your budget to make it legal!  Depending on where you are getting married, your marriage license cost can vary.  While it is not a very steep cost compared to some of the other wedding elements, it is always a good idea to have everything laid out in your budget so as to ward off any surprises. 

Creating your budget may not be the most enthralling part of the wedding planning process, but it is definitely one of the most important.  While we would all love to plan a wedding sans budget, it is not always the case, so preparing an intact budget is crucial early on in your engagement. Understanding what things cost as well as what needs to be included, even those little things, is significant in heading into your life as a married couple without wedding debt on your heels.

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed with your wedding budget, take a look at our blog; What Goes Into a Budget, to help guide you through this task.  We promise the work you put in now will be well worth it in the future.  Happy Budgeting!