As you begin jotting down your wedding budget, you’ll immediately set aside money for the venue, the photographer & the dress, but are you aware of…

*DUH DUH DUH*

the unexpected expenses?

EEEEEK.

Sure, you’re a very organized chick, but those sneaky little unpredictable purchases and fine print fees can really add up if you’re not careful! Here’s a quick list of some minor expenses that brides often forget about:

POSTAGE

After you share the engagement news with your fam, friends & social media, you’ll begin the invitation process. This includes: the save-the-date, the invitation, the RSVP card & the thank you note. Let’s say you mail a postcard for your save-the-date at 34¢ each. Add the three following stamps at 49¢ per piece and you’re at $1.81 a guest. Plan on inviting 150? You’re paying about $272.00 on FRICKIN’ POSTAGE DUDE! Reminder: this is not to scare you, just prepare you.

INVITATIONS & BEYOND

That postage is accompanied by your super cute custom wedding stationery! The pre-wedding paper isn’t the only stationery you’ll be using though, remember to budget in programs, escort cards, place cards & table assignments (if necessary.)

THE MARRIAGE LICENSE

Ah, the license: so *offish* – but you wouldn’t believe how many brides and grooms forget to bring the license on their wedding day let alone set aside some money for it (which I don’t blame you, my biggest concern on the morning of my wedding will probably be finding the nearest Dunkin Donuts.) The cost of a marriage license varies by county – in Alabama, you’re looking at $44-74, and in Florida, you’ll pay up to $95!

PRE-WEDDING ENSEMBLES

Don’t tell me you’re set on absolutely SLAYING your wedding day in your Haley Paige gown but plan on pulling something old out of your closet for your bridal party, bachelorette extravaganza, etc. Give yourself some room to purchase a few pre-wedding event ensembles!

THE UNDIES + ACCESSORIES

You’re only focused on that incredible blush ball gown that you literally dreamt of and just happened to find at Kleinfeld’s, I get it. But don’t forget that you’re probably gonna need a bra and undies to go underneath. Also budget for your jewelry, veil, garter, wedding night lingerie (ooh la la!) shoes & shape-wear (optional.) I recommend having a pair of fun, comfortable reception shoes as backup.

BEAUTY BILLS

Okay honestly I’m a cheap skate and won’t be scheduling a facial at the spa a week before my wedding – but if you enjoy pampering yourself, definitely remember to save for mani-pedis, teeth whitening, massages and the optional tanning package. Keep your eyes peeled on Groupon for deals in your area!

HAIR & MAKEUP TRIALS

Setting aside some cash for your hair and makeup is a given, but you’ll want to schedule a trial to make sure you’re obsessed with your wedding day look – and this is often an added cost. You may think you want that messy boho fishtail braid but end up choosing a glam top knot following the trial!

LAST MINUTE ALTERATIONS

On the biggest day of your life, in the most beautiful dress in the world, you deserve to look and feel amazing (in a gown that fits perfectly!) If you’re working on losing weight, toning your body or simply misjudged your size, you’ll want to give yourself at least $100 to work with on your final alterations.

PLEASE FEED THE VENDORS

Don’t forget about them. It may be part of the contract or just a nice gesture, but the officiant, photographer, band, planner, videographer – they’d like some fuel to continue working your perfect wedding! Budget and schedule meals for them throughout the day.

TIP$

Eh, gratuity…only slightly complicated. In some contracts, gratuities are included. It’s important to figure this out beforehand because the list of people who should generally be tipped includes: the wedding planner, hairstylist, chef, catering manager, wait staff, bartenders, videographer, parking valets, photographer, musicians and drivers.

DELIVERY FEES

Depending on your venue, you may have rented or planned a lot of decor to be brought in. If your venue is outdoor, don’t forget that you may have to pay for the installation of a tent floor. Delivery fees on linens, flowers, labor, set-ups and break-downs should all be noted when planning your budget.

UNEXPECTED ATTENDEES

Brides: your sorority sister might send regrets but end up getting that weekend off from work and show up anyway, your uncle probably forgot to RSVP but wouldn’t miss it for the world and one of the groomsmen will more than likely end up bringing an uninvited date {dressed in something weird, like a zebra print body-con minidress} but it’s out of your hands. Don’t let this issue take even a moment from your big day – just add 5 extra meals when giving your caterer the final head count…just in case!

THE ABSOLUTE UNPREDICTABLE

Did the caterer forget the cake? Did the groom forget his dress shoes back in your home state? Maybe an essential vendor cancels last minute and you’re left scrambling – give yourself a $200 emergency fund just for peace of mind. If anything goes wrong, trust that your wedding coordinator can handle it or the maid-of-honor can easily run to Nordstrom’s. If you don’t use the emergency fund *fingers crossed* use it for the booze on your honey moon: win-win.

. . . 

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY. GO INTO PLANNING WITH A CLEAR BUDGET & A LEVEL HEAD TO AVOID ANY ISSUES LATER ON!

AN EXTRA TIP BEFORE YOU GO: USE THE FREE INBUDGET APP TO MAKE IT EVEN EASIER. HAPPY PLANNING!

{PHOTOS BY: LAURA FOOTE PHOTOGRAPHY, KRISTA FOX PHOTOGRAPHY}