Wedding Costs That Often Get Forgotten

When planning a wedding, you’ll naturally budget for the big-ticket items like the venue, catering, and dress. However, it’s the smaller, less obvious expenses that can sneak up on you and become unexpected costs during the planning process. Here are five key areas we recommend you don’t forget to account for:

1) The Church

If you’re having a church service, don’t overlook the associated costs. On average, there’s a fee of around £750 to cover the church's services. This can increase if you opt for extras such as an organist, bell ringers for that special celebratory ring, or even just heating the church for your guests’ comfort. Be sure to enquire about all potential costs upfront so you aren’t caught off guard.

2) Outmess (Supplier Meals)

In the wedding industry, “outmess” refers to the meals provided for your suppliers. Anyone working throughout your wedding day—photographers, videographers, the band, DJ, or production team—will need refreshments. This usually means providing them with an evening meal and drinks. Many suppliers will include this in their contracts, but it’s always wise to check. Some might even require a "green room" where they can eat and rest. Most caterers offer a reduced-cost meal for suppliers, so be sure to factor this into your overall catering budget early on to avoid surprises.

3) Beauty Treatments

While you’ve likely budgeted for hair and makeup on the day, don’t forget about all the pre-wedding beauty treatments! From spray tans, nails, and lashes to facials and pedicures, the lead-up to the wedding can add up. Also, will you be covering these costs for your bridesmaids and mother of the bride? Decide early on and communicate this with your bridal party to avoid any confusion. And don’t forget, while your hair and makeup trial might be complimentary, there may be additional charges if your mum or bridesmaids want a trial too.

4) Alterations

Alterations for your bridal gown are usually accounted for, but what about the bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmen’s suits? These costs can vary—some shops offer a flat fee, while others charge per hour or per alteration. Make sure you clarify this with your chosen boutiques so that you’re fully aware of how much these adjustments will cost.

5) Postage

You’ve probably budgeted for invitations, but have you accounted for postage? This often-overlooked cost can easily add up to around £100 or more, especially if you have heavy, intricately designed invites or are sending them internationally. Don’t forget to budget for postage when sending thank you cards after the wedding too. Every little detail, including postage, adds to the overall cost.

While these might seem like small, secondary expenses, they can quickly add up and easily reach into the thousands. Careful planning and transparent budgeting are essential to avoid any financial surprises along the way.

If you have any questions or need help organising your wedding budget, we’re here to help! Don’t hesitate to get in touch.