As you are planning your wedding budget, they may be a few things that you may or may not have considered. Brides and grooms are mostly concerned about hidden costs but forget the little things that could just pop up as you may have forgotten or just simply not considered. To help you avoid these unexpected surprises, here’s a few extra things to remember when setting your budget:
TAXES
This is an easy one but is usually forgotten by a lot of my clients. They see one price and the moment HST is added they second guess the budget. That is because they did not think about this added cost. Have you ever called a venue and asked them what their menu prices are? You are provided with a $50.00 per person rate. And you think great! I can work with that, only to realize you did not think about the added taxes or the next one gratuities that goes on top of that?
GRATUITIES
Gratuities are usually added to almost any company offering a service. They are a few vendors that you definitely have to tip and this includes the venue (the servers and bartenders), usually hair and Make up artists, transportation and anyone really that you felt went above and beyond at your wedding. These are all added costs. Most venues automatically add a 15 to 18% fee to your bill no matter what- so keep this in mind when planning. Don’t assume.
WEDDING PARTY FOOD
As you are getting ready in the morning with your bridal party, it is always great idea to have food in the room to munch on. Something to drink as well is great, during summer, over lots of water handy. Both wedding parties need to be fed. This could easily be another $100-$150.
FEEDING THE VENDORS
Any vendors working 6/8+ hours should at least be fed. We wrote an article here about feeding vendors. Mostly wedding planners, DJs/MC, photographers/videographers and bartenders if outsourcing. Some venues do offer vendor meal pricing.
DELIVERY FEES
Are you ordering specialty chairs or specialty furniture for your event? You definitely want to think about delivery fees and this could range from $80 – $100 depending on where the delivery venue is located.
Other fees to consider:
Socan fees, corkage fees, licenses (alcohol, marriage), food minimums, rehearsals (Food, officiants), cake cutting fees, hair and make up trials, in some cases food tasting fees and bridal alterations.
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Happy Planning
Cheers!
RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Planners
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Yes, please make sure to feed vendors who will be with you for hours and hours, including us photographers. It may be a slight extra expense, but it’s the right thing to do. There’s been a few all day weddings I had worked at that the couple didn’t provide food for me or my assistant. We don’t require the works–just a meal to fill the belly helps us to continue doing or job, which is to document the happiness of the wedding day. I’ve since added it into the wedding contract that if we’re shooting at the reception during dinner, it’s required that we’re fed or else we can leave the premises to purchase food without having to make up the time that we’re gone. Since then, no issues.
Thank you for your amazing comments @Linda