Stamps

I bet you didn’t think of this one! If you are going down the traditional route, and 89% of couples still do, they you’ll want to post out your invitations to each invited guest. Well, let us tell you now the cost of postage has gone up 300% in the last 10 years so when you’ve all your stationery bits in one beautifully, designed envelope find out from the post office how much it will cost (it will all depend on weight). You might be better off hand delivering a lot of them. Think about it, your stationery will/can include the actual invitation, the directions, the rsvp card and sometimes people include details about the day, a food menu, and a list of accommodation options. This can all become bulky and expensive to post. So, stamps – allocate anywhere up to €350-€500. 

Hidden dress costs

I know you have the dress included in your budget, it is the most important piece of the entire day, but have you counted in the costs for dress alterations? (and think bridesmaid dresses and suit alterations also) And, when all is said and done, you will need to dry-clean your dress also. Approximately €400 should cover the cost of all alterations and dry cleaning. 

Hotel rooms

Have you guys decided to pay for the hotel rooms at your venue for your bridal party, parents, and siblings? You may not, but if you have (and it is done a lot) this can really push the budget out of limits. Think this one through, discuss with your family and friends if this is necessary and see where you can squeeze money for this. It’s a lovely gesture if you can afford it but it can be costly. 

Beauty-mania

So yes, you have been astute, and you have allocated a certain amount of money for you (and your wedding party’s) hair and makeup on the day BUT, do you know how much, on average, a bride spends on beauty leading up to her wedding? Over €1,000. Yes, you read correctly, but if you think about the cost of hair and make-up trials, facials to get your skin glowing, gym membership to get in shape, massages to relax, hair extensions, colours and cuts it all adds up. And your other half also needs to get some TLC in the grooming department so pop it on the excel sheet and allocate a figure (and stick to it). 

Wedding Scent

We are almost certain you haven’t thought about your wedding perfume or aftershave! Am I wrong? Every bride/ groom needs to splash out on their favourite wedding perfume. What will yours be? If it’s something from the Tom Ford or Jo Malone range you’re talking about €150-€200 but you can do it slightly cheaper (under €100) if you go with something fabulous from Chanel Coco.

Underestimated underwear

Again, underwear is not something you would pop into a wedding budget but are you aware the cost of wedding undergarments can be pricey! You will want the right hold-me-ins so you’ve no lumps and bumps under your dress, you will need the correct bra that fits like a glove and don’t tell me you’re going to wear your Pennys knickers on your wedding night? You’re not! You are going to splurge on a sexy set for the night itself; although lots of couples report not remembering what their other half was wearing on the wedding night because by the time they got back to the wedding suite they were both too ex - hausted for “cuddles.” We advise at least €250-300 for this alone. 

Doggie daycare

If you are a dog owner, everyone you love will be at your wedding so who will mind the dog? Most couples will have to hire a doggie sitter or pop their lovely pet into a dog kennel. Again, this is a small cost, but it can add up if you are leaving them with someone else for the duration of your honeymoon also. Most doggie daycares are now €15-€20 a day

Babysitters

Do you have children? If so, have you budgeted to pay the babysitters you’ll need the few days over your wedding. And are you going to provide babysitters (or kids entertainment) to keep the kids happy during the photographs, speeches, meals, first dance etc. This can add up to a few hundred quid so make allowances if it’s something that is going on the priority list for your wedding day. 

Table extras

Are you thinking about doing something extra (than what your hotel provides) for your guests on their tables. A wed - ding favour, treats for your guests, some wedding games etc.? There are lots of ideas that spring to mind but they all come with a cost. If you are going down this route we would suggest another €1000 to accommodate a big wedding. 

Supplier’s meals

A meal for your suppliers is not something that is a must but it’s certainly a nice gesture as a couple. Your wedding photographer and videographer, celebrant etc. work very hard on the day to give you the most amazing memories so wouldn’t it be nice to provide them with a meal. They would very much appreciate it and it will not break the bank to pay for a few more dinners. 

Other extras

Other items that you may not have thought of but might be handy is the cost of your hen party, getting up to date passports in your name, registering your marriage, a tip for your wedding celebrant, ceremony booklets, ring cushions, candles and if you are going to do a gift to ask your bridal party to stand with you, these all-cost money. We would also advise setting aside €1,000 for small extras like these.