{Wedding Wednesday} Four things couples forget to budget

Happy Wedding Wednesday my brides, future brides, and past brides who can’t seem to get away (insert emoji of girl raising hand here!) Today I’m going to cover the four biggest things couples tend to over look when budgeting for their big day. These are also four things I personally didn’t think of until they came up during the planning process and I wish I would have known!

Number One: Tax, Inclusions, and Gratuity 

It’s super easy to get caught up in the fact that you actually found a venue or vendor that you LOVE and that is also in your budget. The emotions take over and all you can think of is locking them down before it gets away from you. What you may forget to consider is the taxes on top of the standard rate along with any mandatory inclusions or gratuity your venue or vendor may require. All venues have different rules, some may require you to use in house catering and bar/alcohol, while others might have their own set of unique rules. For instance, my reception venue had very strict rules on the hours allowed inside before the time of event. This was really tricky to plan around and caused for a lot of stress when it came to setting up and tearing down the venue, especially because I’m such a hands on person and had hoped to be there several hours before the event took place. Make sure through the excitement and emotions you take the time to read over the contract and ask any and all questions you may have that aren’t listed in the contract and GET THOSE ANSWERS IN WRITING. That last part is my biggest piece of advice I could give any bride and groom.

 Number Two: Postage

Sure, you add it into the budget $50 maybe, right? WRONG. Save the Dates, Invitations, RSVP response cards, Thank You notes for your multiple bridal showers, Thank You notes for your bachlorette party, Thank You notes for the wedding gifts, and any vendor Thank You notes you wish to send after the wedding. This adds up to an amount I definitely didn’t have on my radar. Not to mention if your a… we’ll call it *special* (some might say over the top) bride like myself and want something a little more stylish or customized then the generic american flag or white rose stamp the U.S postal service has to offer you’ll be paying for it. If that’s your case I highly recommend and suggest Zazzle for postage stamps!

Number Three: Gifts

Again, another important thing that’s entered into your budget spreadsheet but the estimate amount vs. what you actually end up spending is quite substantial, it was for me anyways. The most obvious  gifts you consider is for the wedding party and each set of parents. That alone can add up quite fast but then you add a gift for your officiant, that vendor or vendors that went over and beyond, that friend who stepped up and was running around like crazy for you all day. OH, and don’t forget about each other, bride and groom gifts from one another can be so special ( & expensive) so make sure to set  a budget for that as well. In the meantime while you have your wheels spinning check out my Bridesmaid gift guide here for some inspiration!

Number Four: Vendor Meals and Drinks

This is something that gets over looked easily. Be sure to account meals and beverages for your photographer and videographer who have been with you since morning capturing your special day. Don’t forget to invite your officiant and account for their meal along with your DJ, wedding planner, and any other vendor who might be there and need a bite to eat.

“Always strive to give your spouse the very best of yourself; not whats left over after you have given your best to everyone else.”  – Dave Willis

x – L e a h