It is not exactly a secret that weddings are an expensive affair. With the average American wedding costing well over $27,000, it’s no wonder that many couples are determined to reduce costs and expenses as much as possible – after all, there is a honeymoon to pay for at the end of the reception!
However, no matter how determined you might be to keep costs down, even the most savvy spender can be tripped up by hidden wedding costs that can blow a budget out of the water. If you want to make sure that you’re prepared for every hidden cost while planning your wedding, here’s the rundown of what you need to look out for to keep those expenses low:
Alterations
Found the perfect wedding gown, but need a few alterations here and there (especially if you’re looking to lose weight before the big day)? Be wary of sky-high alteration prices. While trimming a hem can be cheap, reworking the bodice will cost you big bucks. If there’s someone in your family who’s handy with a needle and thread, get them to assist you with any alterations to avoid nasty budget surprises.
Photographers
Most photographers and videographers will charge you for a certain block of time; if you go over this time, however, they’ll charge you a hefty fee for the privilege of staying around. What kind of prices are you looking at for just an hour’s worth of overtime? Try over $250 – that’s enough to cover the cost of a night at a hotel on your honeymoon!
Rentals
If you hired a rental company to provide extra chairs and tables for your wedding, you might think that shipping costs are included in their overall price. However, rental companies will waste no time in charging you extra for their shipping costs – and for those couples who aren’t prepared for this cost, they might receive some severe sticker shock. The shipping fee can often run close to $500, so ask the rental company if they include shipping in their overall price. If they don’t, negotiate a cheaper fee or find one that does.
Service Charges
The service charge can often surprise couples on a budget. Venues will often charge you 15 to 20 percent of the total cost of food and drink, so be ready to pony up a hefty service charge fee once the festivities are over.
Bridal Party Favors
Bridal party gifts and wedding favors can often take over a big part of the wedding budget, especially if your bridesmaids gave a lot of their own time and money to be at your wedding. To save some much-needed dollars – but still make an impact with your gifts – try giving personalized items to your bridesmaids, like bridesmaid t-shirts with the date of your wedding .
