Q: What Fees are Often Overlooked ?

A:

When budgeting for a wedding, it’s easy to remember the large categories, such as the venue, catering, flowers, cake, and of course, the dress. However, there are certain things that often get overlooked and which can add up to a hefty sum if not planned for properly. Here are some of the most common added expenses that you should be aware of in order to avoid any unwelcome surprises at the end of the night.

Tips: Before you sign any of your vendor contracts, make sure that they specify whether or not gratuity is included. Vendors who own their own businesses do not expect tips, as they have already included everything in their initial negotiations with you. However when it comes to the reception venue, you should ask the site manager about the policies for tipping the wait staff, bar tenders, and parking valets. Many catering companies already include tips which they divide up between the workers. If tips are not included, expect to pay between 15 to 20% of the total catering bill. Those who deliver the flowers and the cake should also be tipped between five and ten dollars. It is not necessary to tip your officiant, but if he or any other vendor has done an extraordinary job, you can send a note of appreciation and gift certificate later on. Don’t forget to include tips for coat checkers and powder room attendants as well.

Parking: Your guests should not be responsible for any parking costs. Ask the reception site what the parking costs are and budget in the adequate amount for validations, as well as tips for the valets.

Corkage Fee: Because alcohol is very lucrative for venues, most places will try to deter your from bringing in your own wine by charging a high corkage fee. If you are planning to buy alcohol from outside, prepare to pay an additional ten to 25 dollars for each bottle that’s opened.

Cake-Cutting Fee: Usually reception sites will not charge a cake-cutting fee if you order directly from their cake vendor. However, if you are bringing in a cake made by your own baker, the cutting fee can add up to about a dollar per slice.

Overtime Fees: Your vendors will most likely charge you a fee if they have to work more hours than you initially agreed on. Ask your reception site what the rules are if you go over your allotted time and make sure any overtime costs are clearly spelled out in all of your vendor contracts.

Article: weddingchannel.com