You planned your face off leading up to the wedding, but (whoops) even the most with-it and organized bride can forget to anticipate every last-minute cost. Don’t fret: That’s where we come in. Here, the most whoa-that-came-out-of-nowhere surprise wedding expenses to add to your budgeting spreadsheet now.
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Pre-Wedding Beauty Treatments
No, we’re not talking about the costs for you and your bridal party day-of, but rather the general maintenance you put in to look (and feel) your best on a regular basis. Maybe it’s getting your hair cut and colored. Or a brow wax or eyelash extensions. Whatever your typical beauty regimen, you can bet you won’t want to skip (or skimp) on any part of it leading up to “I do.”
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Food for Your Wedding Party
If you’re asking them to spend a full day getting prepped for your big day, it goes without saying that you should provide a hearty and decent meal. Maybe it’s asking your mom to pick up fresh fruit and bagel sandwiches…or maybe it’s asking your wedding planner to cater lunch. Either way, make sure you set aside funds.
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A Hotel Room (or Airbnb) for the Night Before
Duh, you can’t see the groom the night before the wedding. If you’re already living together, this means one of you has to crash somewhere else the night before the wedding. And, unless you’ve got family nearby or a bridesmaid (or groomsman) who doesn’t mind letting you bunk up gratis, you’ll have to shell out.
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…And a Hotel Room (or Airbnb) for the Night After
Yep, unless you live your life like the movies and leave your wedding reception for the airport (and your honeymoon), you and your hubby will need a place to stay the night after “I do,” too—and ideally close to where the reception is happening. Research this. Plan for this. (Remember, the early bird gets the best hotel rates.)
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Transportation for You and Your Guests
Even if you’re getting ready a ten-minute drive from the venue, you’ll need a plan—and possibly a Lyft or limo—to help you get there on time and in style. Sadly, this is one logistical (read: costly) problem that doesn’t tend to surface until you’re a matter of weeks out from getting hitched. Ditto for transportation for your guests to and from the ceremony and reception. If you need to reserve a bus, price it out (and start saving for it) now.
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A Thank-You Gift for Your Parents
But seriously, your mom (and OK, mother-in-law) put up with all your worst borderline bridezilla moments. (Bridezilla? You? Never.) Cue the thank-you speech—and thank-you gift—at the rehearsal dinner. Sure, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive thing on the planet, but a $100 gift card for a massage will still set you back at a time when money is tight.
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…And Your Officiant
Your BFF got certified online and officiated your wedding. The least you could do is show your gratitude with a gift. (Same deal for the officiant who’s not your BFF.)
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Vendor Meals
In a perfect world, your caterer helps you budget for feeding your DJ. But if your lighting guy shows up with an assistant (or two), all three of them will have to eat. Reality check: You will be billed.
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The Incidentals
Oh no, the forecast says rain. You’re going to have to buy some nice umbrellas. Or whoops, you forgot you wanted a new pair of Spanx to go under your slinky dress. Do your best to budget early for miscellaneous items. Even setting aside $150 can help.
This article was written by PureWow from PureWow and was licensed from NewsCred, Inc. Santander Bank does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained in this article does not constitute tax, legal or financial advice. Santander Bank does not make any claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this article. Readers should consult their own attorneys or other tax advisors regarding any financial strategies mentioned in this article. These materials are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsement of Santander Bank.
