Weddings can be expensive. Especially with all the hidden costs that you don’t think about when deciding on your wedding vendors. When it comes to your wedding venue there are probably many expenses that you don’t anticipate. Here is a list of common unexpected wedding venue expenses that you might not have thought about:

Unexpected Wedding Cost Parking
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PARKING

If you plan on having your guests drive to the venue, be sure to ask about parking! How many can fit, is there a valet fee or does parking cost money. There are many venues that do not have their own parking lot but will offer valet services at an additional price. Or the closest parking lot to the venue charges money to park there. Be sure you know whether you are responsible for the parking payment or if your guests will be required to pay it. If you are having your guests pay to park, be sure to let them know how much it will cost so that they can come to your wedding prepared!

TAXES AND FEES

When you get your quote price, very rarely will taxes and fees be included in that price. Be sure to ask how much taxes and fees will be and what fees the venue adds on. It could be an administration fee, cake cutting fee and more!

TIPS

Tips are one of those hidden wedding costs you don’t think about until the very end of your planning but start thinking about it now so you can include it in your budget! 

Does the venue have a restroom attendant? Bartender? Serving Staff? All of those people should be tipped for their time and service!

Bartender Wedding Budget
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OUTSIDE VENDOR FEES

While you may have found an amazing venue that allows you to bring in your own vendors be sure to check how much it is to bring them on property. Many venues do require outside vendor fees per vendor you bring in. 

LIABILITY AND EVENT INSURANCE

This one is always overlooked! Many venues require you to have your own event insurance. And even if it doesn’t, please get it anyways! It costs anywhere from $80-$200. With you spending thousands of dollars on your wedding, it is beneficial for you if anything goes wrong to have it! You never know what could go wrong and with so many factors involved with weddings a couple extra bucks might go a long long way! 

EARLY ACCESS

What will you have to pay if one of your vendors shows up early and starts to unload? Will you be charged at the end of the night for the extra hour that your vendor uses? This is a hidden wedding venue cost that is hard to account for since you may not have any say if it happens on your wedding day.

Your Wedding Date
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OVERTIME HOURS

How much will you be charged if you decide to have the party last a little longer? Or what if your guests dont leave on time? Or if your vendors don’t break down within the hour you set aside for breakdown on your timeline? Does the venue charge you for that? Find out now so you know!

SET UP FEES

So your venue comes with tables and chairs, but who is going to set them up? Does the venue charge extra for setting up the chairs and tables? If so- how much and is it included in your quote? 

As you can see there are plenty of hidden costs that you might not think about when you sign your contract with your venue. Be sure you are prepared for any additional costs, that is where many couples go over budget. You can avoid all of these just by planning around the additional expenses and knowing what you could have to pay if everything does not go according to plan!
I hope that this helps you avoid unnecessary hidden expenses and helps you to better budget your wedding! If you need any more help with budgeting for your wedding be sure to check out this blog: How Much Money Should I Spend on My Wedding?

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