5 Major Expenses You Don’t Expect When Planning a Wedding

Planning a wedding is supposed to be one of the most exciting things you do in your life. It is all about celebrating love with family and friends. Our resident Bride-To-Be Lauren put together a list of major costs in a wedding that you wouldn’t expect when planning. Check out her suggestions to help with budgeting!

Hi everyone! It has been such a joy to plan a wedding. Mine is just a few short months away. I found that it is very hard to stick to a budget. Special shout out to my friend Colin Gordon from Colin Gordon Photography for the beautiful photos and my dear friend Michelle for allowing me to use her wedding. Here are a few things that I have found to be the most surprising in price:

1. The Venue- Location, location, location. Set a price point you would like to stay within. Go from venue to venue to find the per person costs. My suggestion would be to stay flexible! Budgets help you set costs, but be willing to spend a little more if it means you are eating better food or having an open bar. If you have a lower budget consider inviting less people or having your ceremony and reception off season or on a non-traditional day like a Friday or Sunday. If you have a higher budget, do not stop looking until you are comfortable with the included items.

2. Wedding Rings- The perfect wedding rings to match the engagement rings can be pretty pricey. My suggestion would be to look early and follow the sales at your jewelry store. Go in at a prime sale and order your rings at a deeper discount.

3. Postage- Postage for Save the Dates, Invites, RSVP’s, and Thank You’s add up very quickly when you have 100+ guests. My suggestion would be to buy as you go. Every time you have extra money laying around stock up on stamps. Even if you don’t use them for the wedding you will use them for future mail.

4. Ceremony Expenses- The “I do’s” are not a simple as two little words. Whether you are having a ceremony at a church or at your venue, the costs can add up! The traditional church can still cost just as much as a ceremony at your reception space. My suggestion would be to put some money in the budget and do your homework and think of how important the ceremony is to you and how important location is to you as well.


5. Bridal Party and Family Gifts- These are the people that mean the most to you and how do you thank them on your special day!? My suggestion would be to customize, but stick to a price point. They can add up depending on how big your party is and how big your family is. If you want something to be worn or enjoyed, start shopping early and find sales.

 

XO- Lauren

Vendors who helped make these amazing wedding pictures:

Photographer: Colin Gordon Photography
Ceremony Venue: Chapel Hill
Reception Venue: Deerfield Country Club
Flowers: Wegmans
Rings: Zales
Dress: Alfred Angelo
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Hair/Makeup: Bombshell Beauty
Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse
DJ: Suitable Sounds by Zachary Saeva
Cake: Savoia Pastry Shoppe

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