Top 8 Forgotten Wedding Budget Items
Postage
This one hits hard as the cost of stamps goes up but remember, you have to weigh your invitations and if it has a knotted ribbon or a wax seal inside, it might not be able to go through the machine which causes the price to go up too. Plus don’t forget to stamp those RSVP envelopes!
Vendor Tips
One of the most popular things asked about by clients. Should you tip your vendors? If they have done a fabulous job and you want to extend extra gratitude, yes. Especially those who are with you on your wedding day.
Wedding Day Stationery
Since it’s one of those final details, budgeting for these items often is forgotten then it comes as a surprise when it starts to add up. From awesome seating chart displays to place cards, welcome signs, pretty menus & table numbers to bar signs, include these items from the beginning.
4. Vendor Meals
Short answer is yes. Definitely. You should feed your vendors a nice meal for spending 5, 8, 10 even 12 hours with you on your wedding day. They need a break and should eat so that they can continue to do their best for you. This will be discussed at your final details meeting with your caterer and usually includes feeding photo, video, entertainment, planning team, etc. Just keep in mind your final guest count will be a few more than those who RSVP’d.
5. Alterations & Accessories
If you set a strict budget on your attire and say you want to spend xyz on it, don’t forget that should include getting a bustle added, taking it up or in and also for proper undergarments, veil and accessories. You want to have that in mind as you near the wedding and you’re going in for final fittings.
6. Lighting
It truly does make the ambiance. From incredible chandeliers to uplights and bistro lights and pin spots on your centerpieces, not only does it add up to a gorgeously romantic night but it adds up in your budget tracking. Especially if you’re doing an outdoor event, don’t forget to account for lighting pathways, entries and washing light over your bar areas, etc. It makes a difference in guest experience.
7. Transportation
Simple. When you book your venue and your hotel block, book transportation. You want to be sure you have VIP buses locked in and don’t put it off till the end. And if you’re considering shuttling your guests, book it at the same time as your party bus. Just a tip to consider these really early so you’re not struggling to find a bus let alone adding $1-2k more to your overall spend in the last month of planning.
8. Back Up Plan for Weather
This can mean outdoor heaters, tent walls, a WHOLE tent, different chairs, extra labor, lighting and more depending on what you’ve set up. Point is, if you’re doing outdoor ceremony, tented or al fresco dinner, build yourself a buffer in budget because you may have to hold certain items with the rental company and put deposits down just in case the weather gods don’t work in your favor. Plan for the worst and things will less likely be a surprise to your budget.
