5 Unexpected wedding expenses

January 5, 2016 / 2 comments

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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WEDDING FORM HERE

Happy Planning

Cheers!
RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Planners
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