Wedding Costs Brides Forget to Budget For

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Last week on the Huffington Post there was an article about "30 Unexpected Wedding Costs Brides Forget to Budget For". The list is comprehensive and all newly engaged brides should bookmark the article, as they begin the wedding planning process.

Here are 5 items from the list with a few additional pointers from Style Perfect Events!

1. Welcome Bags 
It's always a nice gesture to have welcome bags if the majority of your guests are traveling from out of town. The welcome bag or out-of-town gift bag may include water, snacks, wedding weekend itinerary, welcome note from the bride and groom, city may, etc. You'll need a line item in the wedding budget for your welcome bags and also make sure you check with your guest hotel to see if there is a service charge for them to disseminate the gift bags to your guests. Most hotels do not charge extra if your guests receive their gift at check-in, but there's typically a fee if you want the gift bag inside each guests' room.    

2. Sound
The wedding ceremony is the most important element of the wedding day, but many times guests are left in the dark because they can not hear the officiant or the couple exchange vows. If your DJ is not providing the sound for your wedding ceremony, make sure you look into renting a sound system.    

3. Vendor Meals
When providing your caterer with your final meal count, make sure to include your photographer, videographer, wedding planner and wedding band in your count. These vendors will be on their feet for 8+ hours and will need to refuel. A vendor meal is typically cheaper than a guest meal and your band will include their meal requests in their contract.
 
4. Wedding Coordinator
DO NOT wait to the last minute to book a wedding coordinator. On the wedding day you will not be able to or will you want to take calls from your DJ or baker, while you're getting your makeup done.  It's imperative that you turn the reins over to a professional to ensure your wedding day will run smoothly and that you and your groom, along with your family and friends will have a memorable time as a guest.

5. Sales Tax and Service Charges
Read over your contracts carefully to ensure that sales tax and any service charges are in included in the quoted price. Many venues and vendors charge an 18-22% service charge for the administration side for producing your wedding. Service charges are not the same as gratuities. Also, the plus plus "++" in a quote means you will also need to add service and tax on top of the quoted price.