Planning a wedding can be fun and while you’re probably aware that there are going to be some very big ticket items in your matrimonial future. For starters, the wedding dress, the venue, the food, the music—there’s a host of other hidden costs that, if left unchecked, could add tens of thousands to your initial budget. Here are things most brides-to-be might not think of before her big day.

Taxes

Many vendors never mention tax, which is often not included, so people forget to factor them into their budget.

Service Charges

Do not think you’re out of the clear when it comes to hidden fees. Venues with in-house caterers like hotels and private clubs charge a service charge in lieu of a gratuity charge often tacked on top of their per-person charge. So if your caterer quotes you at $225 per person, there’s usually a 22–25 percent service charge on top of that, which is then also taxed. Other vendors have a clause in their contract that all of their staff must be provided with a warm meal at the reception. With most caterers charging at least $100 a head, this can add up, and quickly.

Everything to Do with Food

Whether you want to personalize your menu or upgrade it to include special items like sushi, it’ll cost you. Many caterers charge you when you try to bring in outside food or beverage. That means even if you want to bring in your favorite wine or spirit, many caterers will insist on buying it for you, marking it up several times over.

Unexpected Paper and Postage Costs

People think all the paper products you need are the invitations and the save-the-dates but it is more than this. Something as simple as postage can cost as much as $2 per invite if you’re shipping a large envelope, not to mention prepaid postage for the RSVP cards. Then you add in calligraphy, menu cards, place cards, escort cards, and ceremony products, and you’re looking at thousands of dollars in extra costs.

Guest Transportation

Even if you were thoughtful and booked a limo or bus for guests, read the fine print. Rates are usually for a minimum of hours, but many places charge starting the moment the vehicle leaves the garage. That means if you budgeted for six hours, you could ultimately get charged for eight or nine.

Wedding Dress Alterations

You may have budgeted a small fortune for the perfect gown, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Then there’s the matter of getting it fitted. If only a few alterations are needed, you might only be set back $50 or so, but if you need significant alterations, like having the bodice redone, expect to shell out $400 or more.

Cleaning Costs

Once the actual wedding is over, don’t expect to go home without spending more money, especially if you partied like a rock star. Cleaning costs for the venue can mount up to a significant amount. However, if your venue offered an all-inclusive price, you’re probably in the clear.

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