6 Unexpected Wedding Expenses and How to Cut Back

Weddings are elaborate events, celebrations that include food, drink, cake, dancing, guests and more. So, they often come with hefty price tags, and they require lots of planning. From the outfits to the food and decorations to the details that make the day run smoothly, wedding expenses can be overwhelming. But with some forethought, you can set yourself up for a great wedding day without extra headaches.

Creating a budget and wedding expenses checklist can help you manage costs as you prepare for the big day. But beware — the items that aren’t on your checklist are often the ones that blow your budget. From the ceremony to the reception, here are some unexpected wedding costs to keep on your radar, and some tips to help you cut back on wedding costs while still having a beautiful celebration of your new marriage. 

Hidden Wedding Costs to Watch For

It’s impossible to foresee every cost that will come with a wedding. But remembering these often neglected costs will keep you from experiencing too many surprises. 

1. Fuel Surcharge

If you rent items like furniture, linens, silverware and decorations, delivery may be included. But there’s a good chance that you’ll have to pay a fuel surcharge, too. Even if gas prices aren’t sky high, the big trucks needed to move these pieces could add $100 or more to your final wedding tab. If you’re having your cake or catering delivered to your venue, make sure you ask about the fuel surcharge for those deliveries so you can plan to add that cost to your budget. 

2. Corkage and Cake Cutting Fees

That beautiful five-tiered cake you ordered from your venue to feed 150 guests? There may be an additional cost to cut into it. Plan to pay roughly $2-5 per guest for cake cutting. What about the wine you sourced from your favorite winery? Corkage fees to serve wine or champagne can run up to $3 a bottle. Even if you’re not using the venue’s caterer, the venue’s servers are responsible for slicing and serving the cake, pouring and serving the wine, and then cleaning the dishes. Such fees can be a significant hidden cost when renting a venue, so make sure to ask your venue about the fees associated with this service, and plan accordingly.

3. Service Charges and Gratuities

Service charges are not always the same as gratuities (or tips). You’ll need to plan for both costs if you plan to hire servers. Keep in mind gratuity, though not taxed, is likely set between 18–20%. Service charges are taxed and can run upwards of 20%. Make sure you get these fees in writing at the time you sign with your vendors to avoid unexpected wedding costs later. 

4. Overtime Charges

It’s your wedding, so you should have fun celebrating! But keep in mind your vendors are only booked for a certain amount of time. If your event runs late and you want the servers to stick around, expect to pay overtime costs. Get those in writing, and factor in additional time when booking your vendors. (And maybe ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on the clock.)

5. Alterations

A gown or tuxedo is often a big part of the wedding day. Whether you buy your clothing off-the-rack or  custom-made, it’s normal to need a few alterations before the big day to achieve the perfect fit. Simple clothing items are often easier and less expensive to alter than layered or intricately detailed ones. The cost of alterations depends on your dress or tux’s fabric and embellishments, as well as your height and body type. You should factor in extra time and allocate additional money as part of your wedding expenses in case of last-minute changes. And don’t forget the veil, shoes, ties, belts, socks and other items that can add up.

6. Postage

Sending out your wedding invitations might be your most expensive trip to the post office ever! Depending on the size and weight of your invitations, the standard 68-cent first class stamp may not be enough. It’s often the size and shape — not the weight — that requires more postage. Take the extra step and go to your post office to get an estimate beforehand so you don’t get a surprise when you show up later. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of stamps for the RSVP cards, as well. (And if you’re aiming to keep costs down, look below to see if electronic RSVPs might work for you.)

How to Cut Wedding Costs

Now that you know which wedding expenses are most likely to blow your budget, find out where you can trim with these tips on cutting wedding costs.

Go Digital

The average costs of wedding invitations and other stationery is $530 — not including postage. Save money on this wedding expense by going digital with your invitations. While most digital platforms will charge a fee based on the number of invites you send, the fee is significantly smaller compared to paper invites. You might have to call some invitees and track them down, but you’ll save money in the long run. Plus, you and your guests will enjoy the simplified RSVP process.

Take Advantage of Public Spaces

Parks, historic libraries, beaches — all are potentially beautiful locations for a wedding that come at a much smaller cost than the average $12,800 couples spend on a traditional wedding venue. Look for places that work for your season, your wedding style and your personalities, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Even a loved one’s backyard can be a meaningful place to get married.

Crowdsource Reception Photos

Photos are one of the best ways to capture memories from your wedding day. But photographers are also one of the biggest expenses in your wedding budget, costing $2,900 on average. To trim this cost while still capturing precious memories, consider hiring a photographer for the ceremony and asking friends and family to take pictures during the reception. Creating a social media hashtag that guests can use when they share photos will make it easy to find your images later. And don’t forget a favorite throwback wedding trick: put disposable cameras on the reception tables for guests to take pictures and be delighted by the results when you develop them later.

Skip the Fancy Cake

Cut down on this wedding cost by opting for cupcakes over cake. Or have a smaller decorated cake for photos and a sheet cake in the back for easier cutting. You might even decide to forego the traditional cake altogether, opting for options like cookies, cheesecake, brownies or other fun treats that show off your creativity and personality.

Go Smaller

Set a guest limit that you can afford — and stick to it! The higher the list climbs, the higher your costs will climb, too. If you opt for a tiny, intimate wedding, consider having a picnic or other low-cost gathering with your wider group of friends later.

Happily Ever After

Whether it’s protecting your engagement ring, insuring your combined household or helping you prepare for happily ever after, your local Farm Bureau agent is here for you.