Don't Forget About these for a Wedding Budget

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A wedding budget can be hard to wrestle with when funds are low. Prices can change over time, and weddings are pretty expensive at the best of times. While there are many things to include, there are some common expenses that most couples overlook when planning their budget.

The Costs of Food and Drink

One of the most overlooked expenses when budgeting is food and drink. Finding a reliable caterer like https://chutzpahdeli.com/catering/ can be hard due to availability and your budget. However, it is best to make a shortlist of vendors who fit in the funding, and give or take 10%. It will also help to book the food and drink vendors as early as possible so you can agree on a price and pay them, as this can help beat rising costs and increased billing due to inflation.

Taxes, Fees, and Tips

One of the biggest expenses you will face when holding your wedding is the venue. Paying for the place isn’t as simple as you might expect. First, there is a time cost to find somewhere you love that falls within the budget. However, the budget doesn’t only include the cost of hiring. There are also hidden taxes that can pop up. Venues may also charge extra fees for services, and the staff might expect gratuity, so always request a final price when discussing the venue.

Include Invitations in the Wedding Budget

The average cost of a wedding in the US is $33,000. That’s a lot of cash that most people don’t have lying around. This means wedding planning for most people relies on a budget. You may overlook invitations as they are sent out early, but they, too, can add up to a large amount:

• Materials, inserts, and envelopes can cost a pretty penny for invites and save-the-dates.

• Printing services can charge excessive fees based on the number of invitations.

• Even DIY supplies can cost a small fortune if you choose to make the invites yourself.

Clothing and Alterations

Attire for your wedding extends to more than just the bride’s gown. The outfit as a whole will need extras such as shoes, the veil, and accessories. However, there are also bridesmaid dresses, usher attire, and an evening dress for the bride’s reception. Then, of course, the groom will also want to look his best. But even before you wear any of these, there could also be fitting costs and extra fees for altering the clothing that anyone involved will wear before the big day.

Necessary Legal Fees

Getting married is an expensive affair, and you may not even realize that there are legal fees. For example, you will need to attend and pay the registry office for a legal name change, or hire a registrar for the wedding. This makes the name change legally official. However, this means you will need to change your name on all official documents, including your passport, driving license, and bank account. Any of these can incur extra fees for the administrative work.

Summary

The cost of food and drink can get surprisingly high, so always include what you need in the wedding budget. Invitations are also overlooked, but mailing and printing can get pretty pricey. Then there are some legal fees associated with getting married, such as a name change.