Don’t let unexpected wedding costs throw off your wedding budget. While these fees aren’t intended to be sneaky in any way, they are often very overlooked until they pop up and potentially throw your entire wedding budget for a loop. To avoid any confusion, read up on this list of the most common charges that will add some dollar signs to your final wedding bill!

Postage

Whether you hire a stationer, order online, or choose to design and print your own stationery, postage for your save-the-dates, invitations, and rsvp cards card add up quickly. Also, keep in mind the weight and shape of your invitations will alter the cost. It’s a good idea to visit the post office with a fully assembled invitation suite before adding stamps so that it can be weighed and you can know the proper postage and expected costs.

Marriage License Fee

Marriage licenses in Allegheny County are $80 but this varies from county to county. A marriage license issued in Pennsylvania is valid in any PA county; you don’t have to get a license in the county in which you’ll be married.

Ceremony Fees

Payments of this kind could be to the commonwealth, officiant, cantor, band, pianist, etc. Some may be in the form of donations while other associated costs are set in stone and non-negotiable. Be sure to learn what your ceremony site and officiant expect before committing.

Wedding Insurance

Some venues may require this, but if not, it still isn’t a bad idea to have wedding insurance. This can vary in cost, so research to find the best possible wedding insurance option for you.

Ring Resizing & Insurance

Having your rock fit properly on your finger is important; you wouldn’t want to lose it after all. Costs for resizing depend on the complexity of the ring itself. Check with a trusted Pittsburgh jeweler to get a quote. It is also highly recommended that you get your ring insured. Should anything happen to it, you’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s covered.

Wedding Party Proposals

It’s become common practice to ask your besties to be in your wedding party in a cute, thoughtful way. This can range in cost depending on what you give to them, but be conscious of your budget when deciding on how much to spend.

Wedding Party & VIP Gifts

Similarly, it’s proper etiquette to give a gift to those in your wedding party, your parents and VIPs, and others who have helped you throughout life and the wedding planning process. The size and cost is completely up to you, but be aware that even the smallest of gifts can add up quickly when multiplied by several recipients.

Vendor/Guest Parking

Some venues have parking fees. If so, vendors such as your photographer, DJ, and planner will likely pass these costs on to you. While you don’t necessarily have to take on the financial burden of paying for family and friends’ parking, it’s highly recommended that you do if you can swing it. Asking guests to pay for parking or valet services to your wedding may leave them with a bad taste in their mouths.

Tastings

Speaking of taste – this could be another fee that pops up. Unless your contract mentions that catering or cake tastings are included services, expect to pay for them. Keep in mind that the more people you bring with you to the tastings, the more the total will probably be.

Trials

If not included in the cost of your contract, this is another item to expect to pay for if you choose to have trials for things such as your hair and makeup (which we highly recommend to ensure your happiness!) To get the most bang for your buck from this, try to schedule these trials for when you have your engagement photos or even a special occasion.

Cake Cutting Fees

If you bring in a cake from an outside vendor, your venue may charge a cake cutting fee. The cost is usually calculated per person or per slice. Be sure to ask about this and calculate the potential total based on the number of expected guests.

Corkage Fees

If you’re supplying the alcohol and having a bartending or catering company serve drinks, expect corkage fees to pop up on your final bill. This is because the vendor or venue serving the drinks is not profiting on the consumption, so this fee allows them to make money on their services.

Gratuities

While tips shouldn’t be expected, vendors always appreciate it when you do. Tips should be based on industry standards and your level of satisfaction with the services. Here is more advice on tipping your wedding vendors.

Taxes

If your initial quote doesn’t include tax, be sure to ask about it so that you aren’t surprised with a larger bill at the end of the planning process. Some services aren’t taxable but others are and it’s always good to know this in advance so that you can properly budget.

Other Expenses To Expect

• Pre-wedding and honeymoon attire
• Wedding day undergarments
• Beauty treatments (facials, lashes, nails, spray tan, etc.)
• Meals on the morning of the wedding
• Accommodations for the night before the wedding, getting ready, and the night of the wedding
• Wedding dress cleaning and/or preservation