by Samantha Davis

Created on: April 22, 2009

Want to get married and stay within your budget? Make sure you shop around for all your services and plan for hidden wedding cost! Most people when planning for there wedding think on the larger scale making room in there budget for the big ticket items or the most obvious expenses, seldom considering the little things. To avoid this common mistake I have compiled a list of the most frequent hidden expenses that arise when planning a wedding.

1. Postage.

Sounds simple and cheap but when you stop and think about the amount of postage required for a wedding you will be surprised. You will need to send out announcement cards to friends who are not able to make it or to people who live to far away to come. Invitations to those who you would like to come to the actual wedding. Reception cards to those you would like to invite to the reception. Also thank you cards regardless of whether or not you thanked them in person.

2. Taxes

We all know there is tax on products or services but when calculating budgets and writing down estimates it's the last thing we think to add to our list of expenses.

3. Cake Cutting

The cake itself cost quite a bit and that is usually planned for in the budget but did you know that if the cake is not prepared by the vendor itself there is a fee for cut cake slices and giving them out. Talk to your vendor first and get all the details. If possible have someone you know cut the cake to save money.

4. Gratuity

Don't assume gratuity is included on your catering bill. Ask questions. If it's, not 15%-20% is a general rule of thumb when it comes to calculating how much you should work into your budget.

5. Photographer/Videographer Fees

Make sure to discuss the cost of overtime. Often pictures aren't taken on time. Talk to your Photographer/Videographer and discuss rates and what will happen if the ceremony or pictures take longer then expected. This way you'll be able to work the extra cost into your budget just in case.

6. Gifts

When getting married a lot of the tasks can't be taken on by the bride and groom alone. The bridal party usually pitches in and helps out with the planning, making arrangements, etcetera. Thank you gifts as a sign of appreciation are always a good idea. Whether it's actual gifts or a thank you dinner, plan to set aside money in your budget for this.

7. Alterations

The bride, groom and wedding party often require alterations to the attire they will be wearing to the ceremony. These alterations can end up costing hundreds of dollars depending on the size of your wedding party. Set aside a reasonable amount for this.

8. Insurance

Wedding insurance some vendors include it in there estimate others don't. You will have to ask questions. If they don't provide it, I highly recommend looking into it for you.

9. Extra fees

Read over you contract and make sure to ask your vendor about extra fees. Some vendors charge extra for ground clean up, fire marshals and security fee's, janitorial fees and staffing fee's. Be clear on what's included in the quote they presented you with and what's not.

10. Parking

Depending on the location of your wedding parking could be a huge issue. Talk to your vendor and ask. It's better to be prepared for this cost then to find you and your family has been issued parking tickets.

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