12 Hidden Wedding Costs NOT to Overlook
Tipping the Vendors
Tipping your vendors is a great way to show your gratitude for their efforts in creating lasting memories. So, as you plan your wedding, don't forget to allocate a portion of your budget for these tips.
Do you need to tip all of your vendors? No.
I recommend only tipping service workers and not business owners. For example, it would be nice to leave a tip for:
Catering Staff
Bartenders
Drivers
Transportation for Wedding Party/Guests
it's essential to keep in mind the practical aspects of your wedding planning, including transportation costs.
Whether it's arranging for a sleek getaway car or providing transportation for your guests, budgeting for these costs is crucial.
So, in the midst of all the loveable moments and excitement, remember to allocate a portion of your budget for transportation costs to make your wedding day truly stress-free and memorable.
Service Charges and Taxes
Many wedding vendors in Southern California include service charges and taxes in their contracts, so it's crucial to be aware of these expenses.
Make sure to get a quote from your vendors with all taxes and fees included.
Marriage License Fees
Obtaining a marriage license is a legal requirement in California. The marriage license is a document that validates your marriage. So you can say… it’s pretty dang important.
The fees can vary slightly depending on the county, so it's a good idea to check with the specific county clerk's office where you plan to get your license so you can see exactly how much this will cost you.
Typically, you can expect to pay around $90 in California.
Insurance
Wedding insurance can provide valuable protection against unexpected circumstances that could disrupt this special day. Insurance can cover various scenarios such as vendor cancellations, severe weather, or accidents that occur during your event.
The cost of insurance can vary depending on the coverage options you choose and the size of your wedding. But… typically it’s offered for around $100-$300, depending on that coverage options you choose.
Here’s an article outlining the top wedding insurance companies to go through:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/insurance/best-wedding-insurance/
Vendor Trial
While vendor trials may seem like a small expense compared to the overall budget, they can add up. Especially if you have multiple trials taken place. Vendor might offer free trials, but will usually start charging you after a certain point.
Wedding Attire Alterations
I’m sure you’re aware of the expenses of wedding attire, but some couples forget that you’re going to need to make alterations in order to look your best in these new nice clothes.
The cost of alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the changes needed and the materials of your attire.
Wedding Dress: $200-$700, with the average cost for most brides being around $450.
Groom’s suit: $75-$200
Overtime Fees
Many vendors, including photographers like myself, caterers, and venues, most likely charge additional fees if your event goes beyond the originally agreed-upon time.
While we all hope that everything runs smoothly and on schedule. We also know that things happen that we don’t plan for. Unforeseen circumstances or simply just having too much fun can lead to your celebration lasting longer than you planned for.
Ask all of your vendors what their overtime rate is so you know what to expect if you’re running a little behind schedule.
Meals for Vendors
Vendors, such as photographers like myself, DJs, and wedding planners, often work long hours to ensure your special day runs smoothly and beautifully. Offering them meals is a thoughtful gesture of appreciation for their hard work.
Wedding Dress Preservation
Preserving your wedding dress is an important step to keep it in pristine condition as a cherished memento of your special day.
The cost of wedding dress preservation can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of dress, the preservation method chosen, and the location of the service provider. On average, wedding dress preservation can range from $100 to $500 or more.
Possible Clean-Up Fees
Many wedding venues have specific policies regarding the cleanup of the event space. Failure to adhere to these policies can result in additional fees that no one wants to deal with.
To avoid these unexpected expenses, carefully review your contracts with your vendors and your venue. Understand their expectations for post-event cleanup, including responsibilities for clearing decorations, disposing of trash, and returning rented items.
The best way to handle this is to make a checklist and designate someone, whether it's a friend, family member, or a professional cleaning service, to ensure that the venue is left in the condition required by your agreements.
Back-Up Weather Plans
Although most days look the same here in Southern California, there are those occasional rainy days that catch us by surprise.
It's important to budget for potential backup weather plan costs. Examples can include: renting a tent, securing an indoor venue as a backup, or arranging for additional decor and lighting for an indoor setup.
