Last week's blog, "Don't Forget! Wedding Costs That Are Often Overlooked!," listed 5 things that many brides don't realize need to be added to the wedding budget. Today, WhereBridesGo.com has 5 more wedding budget planning tips to keep in mind. If you know about them ahead of time, there's less chance they can "break your budget" down the road.
Hair & Makeup Trial Runs
It's a good idea to visit your salon before the wedding for a trial run of your wedding day hair and makeup. It gives you a chance to decide your favorite look and it gives your stylist a better idea of how long it will actually take on the wedding day. Some salons offer bridal packages that already include this trial run. Find out for sure sooner rather than later.
Alterations, Undergarments, & Accessories
You've undoubtedly figured the price of your bridal gown into your original budget, but the price you pay will not include any necessary alterations. It is extremely rare to find a wedding dress that fits you perfectly. It's almost guaranteed that the gown will need some type of adjustment. Find out the store's policy and price for alterations on gowns bought from them or if you need to find a seamstress on your own.
Most wedding dresses will require a special type of undergarment to make them fit properly, so you may need to budget that in too. The final cost will also include the headpiece or veil, jewelry, and shoes you plan to wear with the dress as well.
Pre-Wedding Beauty Treatments
You may want to boost your self-care routine a bit to get yourself wedding-ready. This could include teeth-whitening, spray tans, facials, mani-pedis, etc... Even if you are doing some of those at home on your own, you'll still need to purchase the materials to make it happen.
Gifts From You
The bride and groom aren't the only ones that get gifts at the wedding. You will want to say a few special thank yous to the people that are helping to make it all happen.
Wedding party gifts for all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen are just the beginning. You may also wish to do something special for the flower girl, ring bearer, your parents, and any friends or family that did something helpful. If you'll be exchanging wedding gifts with your future spouse, be sure to set some money aside especially for that too.
Hotel Stay Before the Wedding
If you and your wedding party will be getting ready in a hotel room at or near the wedding venue, you may want to go ahead and book that room for the night before the wedding. That way you will have access to it for the entire wedding day, not just after check-in time, plus staying together overnight is a great way to know that everyone is already there and won't be late.
Add an Emergency Fund
It's always better to be safe than sorry! No matter how carefully you plan and how many bases you cover, there's bound to be a few last-minute expenses before it's all said and done.
Do yourself a favor by setting some money aside as a part of your original wedding budget "just in case." That way, if you are faced with extra "surprise" expenses, it won't be a problem. If you end up not touching the emergency fund at all, you'll already have some cash saved for the next special thing to come up in your newlywed future.
We wish you all the luck in the world for a smooth wedding planning experience so that you can enjoy the wedding day and head into your new life as husband and wife on a relaxed and happy note. WhereBridesGo.com is filled with wonderful and affordable wedding decorations and accessories that won't break the bank. Just another reason that it's Where Brides Go... For What Brides Love!
~The WhereBridesGo.com Team
Post by Deanna Powell, Certified Bridal Consultant