Some Hidden Wedding Costs to Prepare For

A well thought-out and planned wedding budget is something that can take a huge amount of stress off of your wedding planning journey. It’s important to be fully prepared and consider all the smallest details while working on your wedding expenses. Check out some of these fees that may end up getting overlooked and not factored into your final projected wedding cost.

Welcome bag delivery fees

When throwing a destination wedding, brides like to put together a welcome bag which are delivered and arranged in rooms before the guests check in. Most hotels do not do this for free and will add the costs to your final hotel bill. It’s important to ask the hotel to provide you with any applicable delivery rates for the welcome bags and if they charge a fee for holding the bags if you drop them off early.

Vendor transport fees

While a lot of wedding vendors on Oahu are willing to travel anywhere in the island for free, some vendors (especially ones transporting large equipment) will still charge a minimal transport fee. Inquire with your vendor what they packaging and transport fees upfront while inquiring, so you can shop around and see what works for you.

Taxes and gratuities

While shopping around, it’s important to remember that package rates typically do not include sales tax, and it will be included in the final quotation and invoice. It’s easy to find out how much sales tax is depending on the state where your wedding is to be held. Hawaii sales tax is at 4.712% which can help you calculate the taxes you will pay per vendor on Oahu. As for gratuity, as a rule of thumb, you can factor in an extra third of your final wedding costs to tips and taxes.

Vendor meals

Vendors typically require you to provide a meal, especially the ones who will be at the venue for 4 hours or more. Your wedding photographer, wedding videographer, photobooth attendants, DJ, and wedding planner will need fuel and energy as they work your wedding so this is a cost that you should be prepared for. Food provides energy and you definitely want your vendors to have the extra energy to help make your wedding a total success.

Include yourselves in the final headcount

Brides and grooms often forget to include themselves in the caterer's final headcount. Unfortunately, the bride and groom don’t eat for free during the wedding, so unless offered or indicated by your caterer, do not forget to add your names to the final headcount.

Overtime costs

On the off-chance that your wedding timeline goes off-track and you end up running hours late or just choose to extend because you and your guests are having so much fun, make sure to ask your venue or review your contract for any overtime charges, and what the process is if you go overtime. Don’t forget to ask your venue, DJ, photographer, videographer, photobooth and other vendors if they provide an option to extend. Some will have this option available, while some vendors will require to have any extra hours booked in advance.

Wedding Party Gifts

Couples often like to give their wedding squad little tokens to show their appreciation for their support throughout the process of planning the wedding. After all, the wedding party is in charge of planning festivities like showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and can be the bride and groom’s sounding boards as they make crucial decisions as they plan the wedding. If you plan to present your dear friends with small gifts, this is definitely something you shouldn’t overlook while working on your budget.

Emergency Fund

Having some emergency funds on hand for sudden expenses for any last minute expenses would be a good idea, and can be entrusted to the maid of honor or the mother of the bride. This can be used in case overtime fees are needed, or certain purchases need to be made on the big day. In most cases, this won’t be used, but it’s important to have it prepared and accessible as a contingency plan.

Planning a wedding, especially one on Oahu, is definitely something that requires time, effort, and also financial planning. Being able to take all of these factors and costs into account can help you be fully prepared and avoid being surprised on your big day. This will allow you to enjoy your wedding fully, knowing that all details have been accounted for.