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FeedWedding Budget
Where does the money go?
Photography by East Greenwich Photo & Studio
Watch for hidden costs from caterers and vendors. “The estimate from a caterer might be just for the meal, but watch for extra per-chair service fees,” says Tricia Shaw of Attention to Detail.
Overtime fees for photographers and drivers can be an unexpected expense. “Give some thought to how your day will go and make the best use of your vendors,” says Shaw.
Lost deposits from poor planning can be painful. “One couple gave a deposit to a caterer, then found out the venue didn’t want to work with that company,” Shaw says. “I was able to iron things out, but they almost lost a $900 deposit.”
Preserving your bouquet after the wedding can cost up to $500, and your gown—plus shoes, petticoat and veil—can add $500 more.
Watch out for impulse buying. “A lot of brides will go right out and buy pretty little items for favors, or placecards, or programs, before they’ve really started to plan the day. Then they discover these things don’t really fit anywhere, and there’s a few hundred dollars wasted,” says Shaw.
The bottom line: Be sure to ask questions, read your contracts, and plan ahead. And even then, set aside 5 percent of your budget for the unexpected.
