Weddings can be crazy expensive, so make sure you budget in some extra for these potential hidden costs for weddings that are sometimes overlooked! Even though I’m normally a Pittsburgh and Indiana based wedding photographer, I was lucky enough to travel to photograph this Harrisburg Wedding! Deb and Michael definitely pulled off the “wedding of the century” at the Manor on Front in Harrisburg, incorporating their sacred wedding mass rooted in history and tradition, their stunning venue harkening prohibition-era in structure and decor, and our collaboration to emulate family heirloom wedding portraits.
The smartest thing about this wedding though? Their ability to pull off a high-end, classy wedding with money-saving tweaks like a small guest list, DIY signage, and utilizing smaller vendor packages (like limited time for photography or having live music during cocktail hour only).
If you are planning a wedding, make sure to check out other helpful blogs in our Wedding Planning Guide!
Hidden Wedding Costs to Plan for
Below are some general tips for making sure you set aside some extra funds to ensure there’s no surprises that last month before the wedding when everything gets expensive!
PERMITS:
If you have your heart set on a location for photos, the next step is to find out who owns or controls that location and see if they require a permit and how much that costs.
SNACKS:
Food can be a nuisance on a day when you are crazy busy, but if you have everything prepared ahead of time (including how to pay for it!), you can just enjoy! Consider breakfast, lunch, and snacks/drinks for after the ceremony too!
TIPS:
Although not necessary, you may want to budget in some money to tip your vendors who are providing a service in real-time at your wedding, including your bartenders, DJ, videographer, photographer, limo driver and catering staff.
PARKING:
It's likely that your venue will have a parking lot, but have you thought about any stops along the way in between the ceremony and reception? If your bridal party is going to be driving their own cars to your photo locations, make sure everyone has money for unexpected meters or tolls!
DRESS/SUIT:
Even if you don't think you need alterations, you probably do. Your dress or suit was not MADE for your body, so budget just a bit more to get it to look absolutely perfect. And if the dress has a train, you WILL want a bustle.
POSTAGE:
If you are doing save the dates, invites, and thank you cards, the postage for each piece can add up! Without realizing it, your guest list of 300 just cost you $450+ in stamps!
PAPER PRODUCTS:
Invites are obvious, but what about other paper products you will need like RSVP cards, gift registry cards, escort cards, programs, maps, menus, signage, and more?
REHEARSALS:
Rehearsal dinners can be as fancy or as informal as you wish, but there WILL be an expense to consider, whether that be renting a room at a venue, tips, parking at a restaurant, or even paper goods for a pot-luck style shin-dig. Figure out your plan early and think through the details! Also, check if your venue requires anextra rental fee for occupying it during your rehearsal day (most do).
