This is one area that time after time all brides and grooms-to-be trip up on. It’s those little extras that become a big chunk of budget. Here are my top 10 unexpected wedding costs that I came across.
1. Pre Beauty Treatments:
Between make up and hair trails, you may also be doing some prep in terms of gym, classes, slimming groups or even hair removal. A typical make up or hair trial is apx €50 a pop. Gym membership can be anything from €150 to €400. Slimming groups are roughly €10 per week and then if you are doing a class that could also be €10 per class. The big one for me was the lead up regime – between facials, hair cuts and skin scrubs…..I spent hundreds!
2. Postage:
Most of your invitations and thank you cards are going to have to be posted out and now with an increase in postal charges, the sting has just got a little worse.
3. Accommodation:
Depending on where you are leaving from on the morning of your wedding, you may end up staying in a hotel the night before your wedding. There will also be a need to stay in the venue on the night of your wedding plus covering the cost of your bridal party. Our accommodation costs were over €500 but some hotels are a lot more expensive so just be aware of this and every room adds up!
4. 2nd Day Party:
As we all know, an Irish wedding is no longer a one day event. On my TV3 interview, Mark and Sinead referred to it as the ‘wedding festival’ concept. I’ve yet to come across a wedding that didn’t have another party the day after. The cost of a second day party is a little expensive. Not only do you have to cover some finger food BUT more importantly, you need to find a second day outfit! You may also have accommodation costs unless you’ve returned to your home town. You could be looking at over €500 depending on what you decide to do.
5. Alterations:
You may need dress and suit alterations and while they are generally quite reasonably priced, it all adds up on top of everything else that you are paying for.
6. Gifts:
In terms of gifts, this really depends on the bride and groom. Generally you would get a token gift for bridesmaids, grooms men and of course mothers and grandmother. Some gift the the bridal party with the cost of their accommodation on the night of the wedding as well as the beauty treatments required for the bridesmaids – nails, tan etc. Again this isn’t a set rule.
7. Additional Meals:
Generally when you are planning meals for your wedding, you count the guests and can forget to include yourselves! On top of that, your wedding suppliers will require a meal. This includes photographer, videographer and in some cases bands want some afters food kept aside.
8. Bar Tab:
This is one that can get a few in to trouble! On the night of your wedding, you may decide to open a bar tab as you may not be carrying cash. The fact that you are not handing over money can be a bit dangerous as you may spend more than you hoped for.
9. Service Charges & Tips:
Some venues add on service charges as a percentage of your total bill. Always ask the venue if they charge this and if so, how much the percentage is. You also may decide to tip if the service has been great.
10. Impulsive Buys:
One of the hardest things to do is to show some restraint in the lead up to your wedding. You may be in the shops and see some pretty pieces and just have to have it for your wedding. You may also go to a wedding fair and see cool extras that you want and may end up buying even though its not within budget.
Comments are closed
