Whew!!
You’ve been planning for months and your big day is just around the corner….then all of a sudden, just when you think you’ve stayed within budget, along comes those dreaded “additional fees”. Due to the fact that hidden costs can throw even the most organized bride for a loop, I’ll detail here a few of the most common “hidden” charges that are legitimate and which you should question.
1. Dress Alterations – Are they included in the gown’s price?
What’s Real
- There usually an additional charge determined at the first fitting, when the seamstress sees exactly what work needs to be done. To avoid a big shock, ask for an alterations estimate in writing at the time of the purchase. A major change, like remaking a dress, should you lose 30 pounds, will cost you big bucks.
What’s a Rip-Off
- Being charged per fitting rather than for the actual work, or paying fees that are based on the price of the gown.
2. Floral Transport – Should moving the ceremony flowers to the reception site cost extra?
What’s Real
- That depends. If there’s a considerable amount of time involved, some florists will charge a fee. A crew has to stay at the first location, clean up after the ceremony, travel to the secondary location, and reinstall the flowers. If the arrangements are elaborate, this can take hours.
What’s a Rip-Off
- If a florist wants to charge you for moving a couple of simple baskets from one site to the next, ask a family member or friend (with ample transportation) to do the transportation instead.
3. Church Fees – If the wedding is in a church shouldn’t it be free?
What’s Real
- It’s standard to pay for an organist, a soloist, and a facility fee that could include items like custodial service, candles, and use of an aisle runner; nonmembers of the congregation may pay addition fees.
What’s a Rip-Off
- Being required to utilize (and pay for) services that are not typical, such as paying for the on-site coordinator, usage of the sound system and a clergy fee. These are typically fees that are included within the facility usage fee.
4. Corkage & Cake Cutting – Should a caterer charge you for serving wine or wedding cake that you provide?
What’s Real
- In some states, caterers are required by law to have additional insurance for serving alcohol; a corkage fee (usually about $3 per guest) can help offset that expense. A cake cutting fee (typically $1-$2 per guest) is pretty standard when your caterer can provide a cake but you choose to purchase your frosted tiers elsewhere.
What’s a Rip-Off
- Paying a steep fee ($15 per bottle in some venues!). Don’t be afraid to question such charges and try to negotiate.
5. Parking Surcharges – You’ve rented the hall; should you pay for parking, too?
What’s Real
- Generally, sites that own their parking lots free and clear don’t charge for self-parking. Valet parking, however, will cost you extra, unless it’s already included in your contract. If a venue doesn’t have it’s own on-site parking, it may have an arrangement with a nearby garage where you and your guests will receive a discounted rate.
What’s a Rip-Off
- Being charged for self -parking if your reception facility owns it’s own lot. Honk if that makes you mad – then look into other venues.
~Happy Planning~
