by HG Fitz

Created on: April 18, 2009   Last Updated: April 19, 2009

When you're planning a budget for a wedding, it's easy to only focus on the big ticket items in your budget. A budget conscious bride or groom will want to be aware that the prices for small items may add up to a big chunk of change. Plan on devoting about 10% of your total budget to extra costs. This will avoid small incidental costs from causing you to go completely over budget. Consider how these ten items will make a difference in your wedding budget:

1. Stamps- 42 cents may not seem like much but the cost of stamps can really add up. If you send out 100 invitations you will be paying $42 to send the invitations plus $42 for the RSVP's. That's a minimum of $84 extra dollars to spend on stationary. Most invitations, however, will not cost 42 cents to mail. The bulk and odd shape of many invitations can add anywhere from 17 cents to a $1 onto their base price. Plus you will want to consider how much it may cost you to mail Save the Date cards and thank you notes after the wedding. Unless your wedding is very small, plan on spending over $60 on your postage alone.

2. Tailors and alterations- Both brides and grooms want to look their absolute best on their wedding day and that means making sure their attire is as presentable as possible. Usually if you rent a tux the alterations are free for the groom, but if it is not free you should plan on spending $25-$50 extra for these services. Bridal dresses often have intricate bead work and the material they are made out of can be difficult to work with. The extensive time required by seamstresses or tailors to custom fit your bridal gown will result in a high up charge for services. You should plan on spending at least $100 for your alterations although at some bridal shops the cost of alterations can be higher than the cost of the gown itself! You will also want to ensure that your gown is pressed before the Big Day which may cost a small fee.

3. Bridal gown accessories and undergarments- Brides often forget or underestimate the cost of their accessories and undergarments. Your wedding day is probably not the day to wear just any old bra and panties. You will want a bra that properly supports your figure and can not be seen in your wedding dress. Many brides use a corset bra which typically costs $50+ while others have supportive cups sewn into the dress which can add money onto to your alterations fee. If your dress is form fitting you may want a girdle type garment to hold in your stomach. On the other hand, if you

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