When most couples plan their wedding, they have a fairly clear budget within which they hope to stay. Once you have booked all of your vendors and ordered all of your wedding needs, you may think that you know what your total cost will be. Look out, though, because things are not always as clear as you may think. Here are some of the hidden wedding expenses that every bride and groom should watch out for.

Tips and taxes: Read your contracts very carefully. Do they include gratuities and any sales tax, or are those additional?

Overtime & Travel: When you book your venue, photographer, and band, the contract will be for a set number of hours. Should you go beyond that block of time, the overtime costs are likely to be substantial. This is why it is important to be realistic when scheduling your vendors. If you are getting married out of town, many of the suppliers will charge you to travel, there could even be costs for their accommodation which you will have to cover.

Rental delivery and set up fees: If you are having a wedding that involves a lot of rentals, read the fine print of your contract. Very often, the price for your tent or tables includes only renting the item, not the labor involved in actually getting them there and in place.

Alterations: The price of a wedding gown and or bridesmaids dresses does not usually include the alterations. When you order your gown, ask the bridal shop what the average range is for alterations so that you can include them in your budget.

Breakages: Ask your venue and suppliers what costs will be involved if a few glasses get broken or red wine or candle wax is spilt on the table cloths.

Personalization: So you found the perfect bridesmaid gifts and they are within your budget, great! But wait, the jewelry store wants how much to engrave their initials on those bracelets? The same applies for items like your invitations – if you decide to go for a non stock item you may end up paying far more than standard stock items

Corkage fees: If your reception venue allows you to bring in your own wine, ask if they charge corkage fees. Many venues will, and sometimes the money that you save by bringing in your own wine may disappear by the time that you have paid the surcharges. Find out early on so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to use an outside supplier.

As they say, forewarned is forearmed. Knowing about potential hidden or unexpected wedding expenses in advance is the best way to help you plan your budget so that you avoid any unpleasant last minute surprises and fees. If you need any help or advice with regards to contracts that you have been asked to sign, please get in touch with The Celebration Studio, we will happy to look over them for you.