24 Must-Include Wedding Costs to Avoid Budget Surprises Later

When it comes to wedding planning, most couples think of the big stuff—venue, catering, dress, flowers. But what about the sneaky little expenses that add up fast and catch you off guard? These overlooked costs often fly under the radar until you’re knee-deep in planning (or worse, paying bills after the wedding).

Here’s a helpful list of 24 miscellaneous wedding expenses you’ll want to factor into your budget from the beginning. Because no one likes surprise fees—especially not during your happily ever after.

1. Event Rentals

Think: extra tables, chairs, linens, heaters, or even a dance floor if your venue doesn’t provide them. This also requires staff to set up and break it all down. 

2. Insurance

Wedding insurance can cover unexpected issues like cancellations or vendor no-shows. It’s often required by venues.

3. Travel Fees

If you’re bringing in out-of-town vendors, you may be responsible for their mileage, gas, lodging, or airfare.

4. Backyard Wedding Necessities

Hosting at home? Don’t forget about restrooms, power supply, lighting, cleanup crews, trash cans, and back up plan Incase of weather. 

5. Taxes and Gratuities

Service taxes and mandatory gratuity charges can tack on 20% or more—budget accordingly.

6. Service Fees

Some vendors (especially venues and caterers) charge additional service fees on top of their base price.

7. Vendor Trials

Hair, makeup, cake tasting, floral mock-ups—they all cost money, even if you’re “just trying things out.”

8. Cleanup and Breakdown Costs

Not every venue handles post-wedding cleanup. Be ready to pay a crew or extend your rental hours.

9. Non-Venue-Approved Professionals

Hiring someone outside the venue’s preferred list? You might be charged an outside vendor fee.

10. Marriage License Fee

The cost varies by state, but don’t forget to include it in your overall budget. In OK the cost is $50, with premarital counseling the fee is $5.

11. Rental Returns

Need to return linens or glassware the next day? Some companies charge late fees or additional handling fees. Especially if you require an after hours pick up from your venue. 

12. Wedding Band Equipment

Live bands often require sound equipment, a stage and even lighting that isn’t included in their base rate. 

13. Postage Stamps

Save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and thank-you notes can rack up more than you think.

14. Undergarments

Strapless bras, shapewear, or special shoes for the ceremony and dance floor are easy to overlook until the dress fitting.

15. Thank-You Gifts

Gifts for your bridal party, parents, or vendors should be part of your budget plan.

16. Weather-Related Items

Umbrellas, fans, heaters, or even tent rentals might become last-minute essentials.

17. Overtime Fees

Running late? Most vendors (photographers, DJs, etc.) will charge by the hour for any time over contract. Be prepared and start on time. 

18. Welcome Bag Delivery

If your hotel offers guest welcome bags, there may be a fee for delivering them to rooms.

19. Vendor Meals

Feeding your vendor team—photographers, planners, DJs—is standard etiquette and sometimes contractually required.

20. Wedding Dress Alterations and Steaming

Most bridal gowns need some tailoring, and steaming fees can be separate.

21. Honeymoon-Related Expenses

Think passport renewals, travel insurance, airport parking, or pet boarding.

22. Wedding Dress Preservation

If you plan to preserve your gown, expect to pay for specialized cleaning and packaging.

23. Beauty Touch-Ups or Stylist Re-visits

Want your glam squad to return for evening touch-ups or a second hairstyle? That’s an extra fee.

24. Other Post-Wedding Expenses

From vendor tips to thank-you cards and final invoices, the spending doesn’t stop the day after the wedding.

Final Thought

Wedding planning is full of exciting decisions, but budgeting for the unexpected is one of the smartest things you can do. These hidden costs might not be glamorous—but knowing about them now will save you stress later.

Pro Tip: Working with a seasoned wedding planner (hi! 👋) can help you spot these expenses before they sneak up on you.