THE WEDDING BUDGET BLIND SPOT: HIDDEN COSTS YOU MAY FORGET TO PLAN FOR
Setting your wedding budget is a foundational step in planning your big day but what many couples don’t realize is just how many little costs sneak in along the way. These smaller details, when unaccounted for, can quickly add up and put pressure on your finances at the last minute. One of the smartest things you can do is build in a 5–10% buffer into your budget. Think of it as a soft landing pad for those things you didn’t see coming. It gives you freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind.
1. Marriage License Fees
This is your official ticket to legally tie the knot -- and it comes with a cost. In Canada, marriage license fees vary by province, typically ranging from $75 to $150. While not a major expense, it’s an essential one. Don’t wait until the last minute. Some licenses require waiting periods or expire after a set number of days. Make a note in your planning calendar about when to apply and what you’ll need to bring with you.
2. Postage (Save-the-Dates, Invitations, Thank You Cards)
That beautifully designed invitation suite needs to travel -- often more than once. Between save-the-dates, formal invites with RSVP cards, and thank-you cards post-wedding, postage becomes a quiet budget buster. Before you bulk buy stamps, take one completed envelope to the post office to verify the postage needed. Unusually shaped or heavy invites may require more than standard postage.
3. Alterations
Most dresses, suits, and formal wear don’t fit perfectly off the rack. Alterations are almost always necessary and they’re almost never included in the purchase price. Costs can range widely depending on complexity. Budget for at least two fittings, and leave a little wiggle room for any last-minute tweaks. Also consider alterations for bridesmaids or groomsmen attire if you’re covering that expense.
4. Rehearsal Dinner Costs
Whether it’s an intimate dinner with immediate family or a full gathering of your bridal party and out-of-town guests, the rehearsal dinner is more than just a meal. Factor in the food, drinks, service fees, tax, gratuity, and possibly a venue rental fee. Set expectations early --rehearsal dinners don’t have to be extravagant. A cozy catered backyard party or family-style restaurant gathering can feel just as special.
5. Lodging the Night Before (and After)
Booking a place to stay the night before your wedding is often overlooked in the early stages of planning. Whether it's a hotel suite for pre-wedding prep or a romantic room for your first night as newlyweds, those costs need to be factored in. If you're also covering accommodations for parents or your bridal party, be sure to clarify who is responsible for what early on to avoid awkward conversations later.
6. “Day Of” Food and Snacks
You may not have time for a proper sit-down meal, but you and your crew will need fuel. Coffee, juice, fruit trays, sandwiches, and light snacks are musts during hair and makeup prep.
Assign someone (a planner, sibling, or friend) to handle food delivery and cleanup so it doesn’t distract you. Avoid greasy or messy foods that could stain clothing or smudge makeup.
7. Transportation
From limos and classic cars to guest shuttles and valet services, transportation is one of the most underestimated costs -- especially if you have events in multiple locations. Even parking fees or permits for guests can add up. Consider booking a round-trip option for your bridal party, and always confirm how long vehicles are available. Time overruns can result in surprise charges.
8. Vendor Overtime Charges
Weddings often run on "real life time" rather than the planned timeline. If your DJ, photographer, or coordinator ends up staying late, you may be charged overtime rates --sometimes billed in half-hour or hourly increments. Build a cushion into your timeline and ask vendors about their overtime policy ahead of time. Knowing their rates will help you make smart real-time decisions if things run late.
9. Gratuities and Tips
Gratuities are not always included in vendor contracts, and yet they’re a big part of proper wedding etiquette. Think: your catering team, hairstylists, makeup artists, drivers, delivery personnel, bartenders, and day-of support staff. Prepare labeled envelopes with tips in advance and hand them off to a trusted friend or coordinator. Consider using cash, as not all vendors accept electronic transfers.
10. Décor Setup and Breakdown Fees
Even if you’ve budgeted for florals and rentals, you might be surprised to find setup and teardown services aren’t always included. These are often billed separately and can be significant -- especially for larger installations or tight turnaround times. Ask for a detailed quote that includes logistics, staffing, and delivery windows. Venues with strict in/out times may also charge additional fees for extended setup hours.
11. Miscellaneous Extras
These are the details that make your day uniquely yours -- but they also come with hidden price tags:
- Dress steaming or pressing before the big day
- Weather backups (umbrellas, blankets, heaters)
- Signage & programs, especially if printed last-minute
- Childcare or pet-sitting services
- Emergency kits (mints, fashion tape, deodorant, mini sewing kits)
- Additional beauty products for touch-ups
- Cake cutting or corkage fees if your venue charges for outside vendors
Designate a “Miscellaneous” line in your budget spreadsheet. Use it as a catch-all for those last-minute items that inevitably sneak in.
The little costs don’t have to catch you off guard. With thoughtful planning and an intentional buffer built into your wedding budget, you can reduce stress, avoid overspending, and focus your energy on what really matters -- celebrating your love. Remember: a wedding budget is more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s a tool that gives you freedom, helps you make aligned choices, and makes space for joy -- not just logistics.
