Hidden wedding costs: Budgeting for the unexpected

Planning your dream wedding? You’ve probably already crunched the numbers on food, venue, and outfits. But not included in your Pinterest planning will be the hidden wedding costs: the ones that you haven’t yet accounted for or perhaps didn’t think of.

Don’t panic, though. Hidden wedding costs are common, and you’re not alone. With a bit of foresight, these can be easy to manage (or even avoid). We’ve narrowed down what to look out for so you can plan smarter, not harder.

First, the big picture: What are we spending?

Our last Annual Report let us know that the average Australian wedding cost is $34,715, but that number can vary widely and is dependent on location, guest count, and your priorities as a couple.

Here’s a hard fact though; nearly 65% of couples go over budget. Often, this is caused by underestimation or the hidden wedding costs.

We break down what those sneaky extras are – and how you can plan for them.

Vendor travel and setup

The surprise: Many vendors will charge travel, accommodation, or setup fees, particularly for weddings in regional locations or hard-to-reach venues. If you’re planning a Hunter Valley or Byron Bay wedding and your vendor is coming from Sydney or Brisbane, there will be a travel cost (and even accommodation cost).

How to avoid the shock:

• Ask up front if the quote includes travel and setup.
• Check your contract for petrol and accommodation clauses.
• Go for a local vendor if you’re wanting to bypass these fees.

Furniture and equipment upgrades

The surprise: Your venue could include tables and chairs, but it might not be the ones you’ve been envisioning. There are some ‘basic’ furniture options, but more luxe ones, elegant bentwood chairs or ones with cushioning, that is an upgrade.

Estimated costs: Upgraded seating, statement tables, colourful linens, or luxurious cutlery can all add up, somewhere around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on guest count and rental company.

We recommend asking to see photos and in situ examples of what’s included. Don’t assume that the styling on Instagram is the one that’s included in your package.

Cake cutting, corkage and service

The surprise: Some venues will charge a cake-cutting fee, even if you bring in your own. Evenly cutting, serving, and cleaning up after a cake for 150 guests can take a lot of time and care. But this is an expected fee that couples will often be caught off guard by.

Cost estimate:

• Cake cutting: $2 – $6 per person.
• Corkage: $10 – $25 per person.

Overtime charges

The surprise: Your wedding might run overtime. It’s an easy thing to do! You’re having such a good time that you barely hear the “last calls” at the bar, and the DJ is only now just starting to play your classics. However, it’s essential to know that vendors will charge an overtime fee. This is most common among DJs, photographers, videographers, and transport.

If your bus driver is left waiting for stragglers to get on board, they can start charging for that time. So, even if your wedding is pumping, you could end up with a bill shock if you don’t tie things up punctually.

Cost estimate:

• DJ or band: $200 – $400/hour.
• Photographer: $300/hour.
• Venue: $500 – $1000/hour (it might seem high, but they need to cover the staff costs to stay later).

Budget tip: Add 30-60 minutes into your timeline just in case, and arrange pre-agreed overtime rates if you and your friends are the last ones to leave a party.

Postage and printing

The surprise: Designing your invites is one thing. For those adept at Canva or have an eye for design, it could be something that you save costs on. But printing on premium paper, using gold foil, and then mailing them – these are costs that start to add up.

Cost estimate:

• Printing extras (vellum, foil, ribbon): $200 – $800+ depending on guest list.
• Postage: $1.50 – $3 per invite.

Budget tip: Consider going digital.

Beauty trials and extra services

The surprise: Your hair and makeup quote will likely cover only your wedding day. But for a lot of brides, a trial run is important. There are also the additions of lashes and other beauty services. These can be charged separately.

Cost estimate:

• Makeup trial: $120 – $180.
• Hair trial: $100 – $150.

Budget tip: Confirm what’s included in your beauty package and find a makeup artist and hairstylist who really gets your style to give you confidence to bypass the trial.

Marriage licensing and fees

The surprise: Getting legally married isn’t free! Not only is it the ceremony and reception itself, but the paperwork and Notice of Intended Marriage all cost as well.

Cost estimate:

• Lodging NOIM: $150.
• Official marriage certificate: $60 – $110.

Knowledge is savings

Hidden costs aren’t a reason to panic, they’re just a reminder that weddings can add up. When you’re clear on what’s included, what’s option, and what’s not mentioned, you can avoid budget blowouts.

Keep all your budgeting in one place with Easy Weddings budget calculator and save on bill shock.