10 Hidden Wedding Costs
Weddings are already expensive…..but these are 10 extra costs to watch out for!
Invitations
When it comes to invitations, there are so many elements that can hike up the cost. All of these apply to physical invites only.
- Envelopes: These are usually an additional cost and good quality envelopes are often worth investing in as they can really elevate an invite.
- Postage: A lot of people forget you’ll need stamps. It seems like a small cost but times that by 50, 75, 100 or more and it really starts to add up!
- DIY mistakes: While making your own invites might save you a good chunk of the cost….be wary of any mistakes along the way that could double or triple your anticipated budget!
- Additions to your invites: E.g. wax seals or ribbons. Again, these might seem like small costs but depending on how many invites you have, these can really start to increase the cost.
2. Transport
You might not need transport for you, your bridal/wedding party or sometimes even guests. But, if your wedding is in a rural location with little public transport, chances are you might be considering providing some transport on mass.
Makes sure you get a wide range of quotes so that you can find the best option as minibuses/vans can be hugely expensive.
Consider utilising family and friends where possible, but often times this is an inescapable cost!
Also….don‘t go for a fancy limo just for the sake of it. It really isn’t worth the cost unless it’s something you truly value.
Consider transport before you book your venue & research what accommodation options there are for guests nearby.
3. Accommodation
If you’re not staying locally you’ll likely have to factor accommodation into your budget. A lot of couples don’t want to categorise this as a wedding expensive…but sadly it is!
Will you be staying alone as a couple, or with friends and family?
What food, drink and resources will need to be provided at the accommodation?
These are all costs to consider and carefully budget for.
4. Corkage
Corkage is an additional cost venues charge you to bring in your own drinks. E.g. for every bottle of wine you bring they charge x amount.
If you fall in love with a venue that has corkage you might decide it isn’t a deal breaker for you.
HOWEVER, I strongly advise looking for venues that don’t charge corkage, particularly if bringing your own drinks and providing a free bar is important to you. Or if you’re planning on providing cocktails as often times spirits & liqueurs cost more.
Corkage can massively increase your costs, so watch out for this sneaky addition!
5. Trials
If you are having professional hair & makeup on the day, chances are your artist will want or require you to have a trial. Make sure you factor this into your budget when you are looking at potential vendors.
Often the trial is close to the cost for the service on your wedding day. Trials are hugely important so I always recommend having one, but it’s something to keep in mind while researching.
6. Alterations
If any of your outfits require alterations make sure you factor this into your budget for your attire.
You might buy a dress for $500 but then spend $2,000 altering it and completely blow your budget.
If you’re looking at buying something you know is going to need a lot of work, start looking at alteration costs before you make the purchase.
Alterations really transform an outfit, so they can be vital….but make sure you have a rough idea of how much you’ll need to set aside.
7. Catering equipment & tableware
If you’re using private/external caterers, chances are that they will be hiring in kitchen equipment and tableware (plates, cutlery, glasses, etc.) for your wedding.
Make sure you’re budgeting for all of these additions, alongside the food/service cost of the catering company.
If you’re booking with a company 2+ years in advance, chances are these costs could increase for the hire of these items.
Make sure you check your contracts before signing so you are aware of any price fluctuations.
8. GST
If prices and conditions are vague, always clarify if GST is included before signing any contracts. Otherwise you might get a nasty surprise when you receive the invoice!
9. Shipping & Travel
Shipping costs apply to products you might be ordering like invitations, signage, décor, etc. If these are large bulk items then expect this to be more than an average $4.95.
Vendors and rentals (think décor, chairs, tables, PA systems) will also likely come will mileage charges. And remember these mileage charges will be TO AND FROM your wedding.
So you might want to consider finding vendors that live locally to your wedding venue to save on any extra costs.
If you are desperate to have a photographer who lives in Auckland and you’re getting married in Queenstown, then you will need to factor in travel and accommodation costs for them.
10. Bridal/Groom/Wedding Party Gifts
It has become a pretty crazy culture of needing to gift your bridesmaids/groomsmen/wedding party a huge basket of personalised gifts.
Your friends are unlikely to genuinely re-use the “bridesmaid” embroidered dressing gown you’ve given them, so instead if you are going to gift, consider keeping it minimal and multi-functional.
Weddings aren’t very eco-friendly events, so you could consider putting money towards their outfits or something you know they love that they can re-use in the future.