Is anything slipping my mind?

mgumms

Hi there,
I think I have found the perfect place for my reception. I'm working out all the details and I thought it would be helpful if you ladies could let me know if I'm forgetting about anything that might end up costing us money. Here's what we have covered:
* reception venue (the ceremony is in a church and is taken care of)
* food
* alcohol
* tables and chairs
* linens
* cake
* DJ
* photography
* set up and clean up

I left messages to find out who will be providing the place settings (plates, silverware, glasses, etc.). That's the only thing I can think of that they might end up charging me extra for. There are so many hidden costs and you all have more experience than I do. What am I forgetting to account for that might cost me in the end? Anything else I should be asking?
Thank you all so much! I appreciate all the advice I can get.

NillaWafer10

I feel like I am the queen of this post!  I have discovered just about every hidden cost there is, and not in a good way haha!

First off taxes, service charges and tips can really break the bank if you don't budget accordingly.  They can add up to roughly 30%.  Also, some catering companies might charge you for additional servers or staffers for the night.  Make sure to read the fine print in the contracts!

You might need a licensed/insured bar tender to serve your alcohol. This is a good idea, because it removes liability from you from any alcohol related accidents (drunk driving etc).  Try pour masters.  They will let you hire bar tenders and supply your own alcohol. Craig's list is also a good idea for finding bartenders. Also, make sure to account for non-alcoholic beverages and water.  Don't forget lots of ice!

Cake cutting fee!  This one is painful!  Some catering companies will charge you anywhere from 0.50 cents to a couple dollars a slice.  This includes the dessert plates and silverware as well as the incredible burden of slicing a cake.

Photography-make sure that you are given full copyrights and a CD with all of your images.  Also, make sure to account for making prints and a wedding album.  You can do it yourself with mpix.  They seem to get the best reviews for quality.

You might need to take out wedding insurance to cover liability and problems with vendors.  There have been numerous accounts of bridal shops going out of business, photographers losing pictures and other wedding catastrophes.  WedSafe looks like the best one to go through. (Our reception venue requires us to take out a policy for liability)

You didn't mention decorations, so here are some ideas of what you might need:
-aisle runner
-pew decorations
-unity candles (also candles for the mothers to light the bride and groom candles)
-guest book
-candles and flowers to decorate as needed
-cake cutters

This isn't part of reception costs, but don't forget about flowers, stationary, beauty and attire!

Do you not want a videographer?

mgumms

I don't think we are going to be able to go with a videographer. We have the bartender and I haven't forgotten about all non-reception costs. Taxes and the cake cutting fee are definitely things I'll need to mention. I knew you'd be the first to reply. Thanks so much for the great advice! This can be so overwhelming.

NillaWafer10

What can I say? The knot is providing a great distraction from my invitations

fisktobe

Nilla is so helpful and awesome!!  I did run into that Im being charged extra for champagne/apple cider for our toasts, just wanted to mention that.  If you are planning on doing it like that, it may not be included, so you may want to check HTH

NillaWafer10

Aww! Thanks for the love   I'm going to go on serious withdrawal once the the wedding is over!

NillaWafer10

Just thought about another hidden fee: delivery fees!  Some caterers, bakeries, florists and rental companies charge a delivery fee.

Beckity

I totally stalked this post and got a lot of good advice.  Thanks Nilla!!

mgumms

Thank you! I have been pricing everything out like a crazy person and we are booking the place on Thursday. It's beautiful and I love it. Thanks for all the great advice!