Happy Wedding Wednesday!
At least that is what I dubbed today :)
Who is ready for some real talk? Because weddings aren't always rainbows and butterflies... it can be stressful and even make you want to just elope! It happens to the best of us. Aaron and I (mostly me) got so overwhelmed with everything at one point that we looked into eloping or just doing immediate family only. But once I got over my mini meltdown, we decided this is a once in a lifetime celebration and why not go all out?
If you're in the planning stages of your wedding and you're going all out too, this read is for you! Most couples who are planning their big day only think about the big things when it comes to budgeting money. The big fancy dress, the photographer, the best DJ... it really adds up!
But what we don't think about is all. the. little. details.
I'm just now coming to that realization after booking all of the big things. I have less than seven months to my wedding and I'm just now finding out about the little details we still need and that cost money. Things I didn't plan for!
So what unexpected costs should I plan for, you ask?
1. Marriage License: I bet this is one thing you didn't even think about! To legally become husband and wife, you have to get married on paper. It's not as exciting as sealing your marriage with a kiss, but we all gotta do it. Depending on where you live will determine how much a marriage license will cost. In my county, for instance, it costs $68. Make sure you verify the price and how far in advance you need to get this done. It's typically a quick process and kind of exciting making official.
2. Gratuities: I honestly had no idea we had to tip our vendors on top of paying for their services already. I've had to do lots of research to know how much to tip. Depending on the vendor, their services and length of time they will be working the event, will determine how much you should tip. Definitely do some research before the big day so you're not surprised! Real Simple has a great guide on wedding tipping.
3. Vendor Meals: Your Vendors need to eat too! When doing your final meal count, don't forget to include your DJ, Photographer, Officiant, Coordinator, etc. Everyone who is there helping won't get many breaks and need to refuel. It's a kind gesture and for some, is part of their contract.
4. Day-Of Coordinator: Many venues will provide a day-of coordinator, but they could also provide limited resources. My venue did not provide one so I ended up hiring a day-of coordinator and it is probably the best decision I've made in this whole planning process. I found mine at a wedding show and after my first meeting with her, I was sold. Bailey has been a blessing since day one! She has eased my nerves and has been so much more than just a day-of coordinator already. I can email her anytime with any questions, she sent me a budgeting plan, she will be creating a day of itinerary for the wedding party, she works with the vendors, helps with set up, clean up... she's basically an angel sent from heaven! We basically just have to show up to our wedding and have fun! Not everyone can afford a wedding planner, let alone a day-of coordinator, but if you can, do this!
5. Beauty Treatments: The best part about getting ready for your wedding is all the pampering! Spray tans, getting your nails done, eyelash extensions... it's so fun! But it also adds up. Make sure you set money aside for all the beauty prep that goes into your big day. Teeth Whitening can cost a few hundred dollars. Are you treating your bridesmaids to mani/pedi's? Don't forget to include your mom, (future) mother in law and flower girl in all the fun (if you choose to do so).
6. Day-of Stationary: You've bought your Save-The-Dates and Invitations and voila, you're done! Sike! Betcha didn't think about the place cards, dinner menus, signage (welcome sign, guestbook sign, drink sign, etc). It amazes me sometimes how much these things can cost. Keep these in mind when budgeting and set aside a few hundred dollars. Etsy has some great personalized stationary. If you're super talented and crafty, I highly recommend making your own stationary because you can save hundreds of dollars! And if you're this person, let me know so you can do mine too!!! :)
7. Alterations: To be honest, I haven't discovered the price of this yet. But I've been warned by many that it can add up fast! I am making my alterations appointment soon and will update you on the pricing. The price of altering your dress can change depending on what you do. If you're lucky, you won't have to do much to your dress. Changing the length, taking the dress in or out, making structural changes such as adding straps, it all costs money, more than likely in the hundreds.
8. Pre-Wedding Attire: The dress of your dreams is already purchased and that's all you're thinking about... but what are you going to wear to your engagement party? Bridal shower? Bachelorette party? Rehearsal dinner? Day after brunch? You don't have to buy a new outfit for every occasion, but maybe you will for a couple. New dress, new shoes, new accessories, new hair... don't forget to add this to your budget!
9. Hotel Room for night before and night of: Whether you're doing a destination wedding or staying local, you'll want to book a hotel room for your wedding night! Even if you don't have people staying with you, it's fun to not just go home! It's a special day and if you're like me, staying in a hotel feels like you're on vacation (and you can order room service duh). Aaron chose to book a hotel room the night before as well so we don't break the tradition of seeing each other the day of the wedding.
10. Wedding Favors: This is something that can really range in price depending on what you choose. You can favor something as simple as a homemade CD playlist that can cost next to nothing or give out something more extravagant like mini champagne and orange juice bottles (hellooooo mimosas!) Keep in mind the size of your wedding party and how fast things can add up. Maybe give one favor to each couple/family to cut costs. Homemade wedding favors can also help ease the budget, like homemade jam. You can find mini jars at the dollar store and buy ingredients in bulk.
Wedding favors are also not mandatory at a wedding. Skip it all together, most people won't even notice!
I hope this list will help some of you brides out there! If you've never planned a wedding before, you'll have so many questions and surprise costs pop up! Save as much money as you can and leave some extra in case you do have an unexpected cost.
Feel free to add to the list by commenting below! I'm still in the planning process and need all the advice I can get!
XoXo
