Photo: Harwell Photography
While budgets and finances may not be the sexiest part of your wedding, planning a wedding budget and sticking to it is one of the most crucial parts of putting together any bride’s big day. Even the savviest, most budget-minded brides might overlook some small details that can seriously throw off the most well-planned wedding budget. So to avoid any and all bridal budget woes, keep these key details in mind when planning your wedding finances.
Taxes
Depending on the state you’re in, sales and use tax applies to purchases in all different ways. You don’t have to go and break out a law book to properly plan for taxation, a quick Google search should tell you all you need to know. When calling around for price quotes, always be sure to factor in the correct tax percentage for final cost.
Keep in mind, too, that brides getting married out-of-state may benefit from tax breaks or benefits. For example, a New Jersey bride who purchased a wedding dress in NYC can, potentially, sign an affidavit that they will not be wearing or using their gown in NYC and save on sales tax. It “pays” to be informed.
Gratuity
It’s customary to tip vendors, servers, maître-ds and more as a way to say thank you for making your day so special. While sometimes service charges that incorporate gratuity are factored into estimate, at times they are not — and it’s implied you will be tipping out of pocket. Be certain to properly plan for the appropriate gratuity when crunching numbers.
From your glam squad to your bartenders, everyone deserves a tip, and you deserve to have properly planned for it. Having to spend money you didn’t plan for on your big day should be avoided wherever possible.
Shipping & Postage
While shipping fees are generally small, they do tend to add up to quite a chunk of change. Shipping (with insurance, of course) of a wedding gown can cost upwards of $35 in some states, and that’s only the beginning. When you factor the items you’ll be sending and receiving — from save-the-dates, invitations, thank-you cards, etc. (aside from all the online shopping you’re likely to partake in) — you’ll be paying a pretty penny in postage, and it’s best to anticipate all potential spending for proper budgeting. Tip? Always weigh your invites before slapping pre-paid stamps on them to ensure proper postage for the weight!
Timelines
It’s the stuff bridal nightmares are made of… Just when you think you have it all figured out, you have a (cash or check only) deposit due, and no funds to support it. While you have painstakingly budgeted your finances down to every last penny, it’s not that you can’t afford it — you just cant afford it right now. Be sure to budget according to deposit dates and when payments are due to avoid any hiccups in timely payments.
See More: 8 Tricks to Establishing Your Wedding Budget Without Bickering