by Helium01

Created on: April 19, 2009

10 Hidden Wedding Costs

Weddings are meant to be a special time in our lives. It is a time when you would like for money not to be an object. Unfortunately, most of us must work within a budget when planning a wedding. Though careful planning usually works to keep costs within your budget, it is the hidden wedding costs that can creep up and surprise you. Below are ten hidden wedding costs that you may not have considered.

Marriage License

Though everyone knows that you must obtain a marriage license, not everyone is aware that you must pay a fee to obtain it, usually upwards of $75. In addition, you need to budget for time off work to obtain the license.

Taxes and Tips

Although the best laid budget usually contains all of the big wedding services such as limousine rentals, DJ services, and hall rental, what you may neglect to add to the equation are the taxes and tips on such items. In order to avoid a nasty shock at the time of the final bill, ask for all service quotes to include cost of tax and gratuities.

Alcohol

Though everyone knows that alcohol is costly, the exact cost of having an open bar is not always considered. A good estimate will plan for an average of one drink per hour per guest. A four hour reception of 125 people will cost roughly $1250. If you have a lively family or group of friends who are likely to drink more, you may want to budget more for alcohol cost overruns.

Postage Stamps

Just like all other unexpected costs, everyone plans for the cost of invitations but many neglect to account for the cost of mailing those invitations. In addition, choosing large or unusually shaped invitations could mean extra postage fees. In order to avoid hefty postage costs, choose invitations that will fit in standard-sized envelopes. When you obtain a quote for printing invitations also inquire about the cost of postage.

Alterations

If you need to have minor or substantial alterations done to the wedding gown the costs may add up. Although small alterations generally are not costly, if a dress needs to be drastically altered, costs could quickly add up. In order to avoid a nasty shock, be sure to inquire about the costs of making required changes to the dress that you choose.

Time Overage

A reception that runs late can equal additional costs on your final bill. Most services will have been budgeted for a set amount of time, such as the DJ, hall, photographer and limousine. If your guests decide to stay late you could be facing extra fees for the overtime. To avoid

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