Wedding planning can be hectic, and the overwhelm of budgeting for your big day can be just as time- consuming. Even the most organized couples find themselves on their wedding day wishing they hadn’t forgotten that one simple thing or minor detail. And then? They end up spending the day distracted by that tiny mistake.

If you’re a couple scouring the internet for every tip and trick to make sure nothing gets missed, this is where you need to be.

Here, we’ll share tools and tips to help you feel more prepared and less stressed. Plus, we’ll let you in on some of the tricks we keep up our sleeves as wedding planners to make sure your day is smooth and completely free from last-minute panic.

Today, we’re splitting the costs you need to look out for into three different categories:

Pre-Wedding Costs
Day-Of Details
After-The-Wedding Expenses

I think you’ll be surprised by what you may forget!

Now, let’s dive into the tips and tricks you need to know!

Pre-Wedding Costs That Sneak Up

Alterations & Fittings
Not just for the dress, this includes suits and accessories too. Sometimes things don’t fit the way you imagined, and it’s important to get all your attire feeling and looking good before the wedding. While alterations are technically optional, they can have a big impact on your final look and your budget.
Getting a bridal gown professionally altered might cost around $150–$600+, and suit alterations can range from $75–$250, depending on how detailed the work is.

Photography @northstoryweddings.ca & Officiant @labuickceremonies - Arlington Estate

2. Beauty Trials
If you’re planning to have your hair or makeup done professionally, beauty trials are a must. I know it might be tempting to skip, but especially if you’ve never worked with the stylist before, this is a crucial investment.
You don’t want to find yourself disliking your makeup or hairstyle the morning of your wedding!
Expect to spend around $100–$250 for a makeup trial and $100–$200 for a hair trial.
This also goes for facials, waxing, spray tans, really anything being done close to the big day. Facials: $80–$150. Waxing: $50–$100. Spray tans: $40–$75
Imagine walking down the aisle a shade too dark or orange... oh no!
Check out our blog on bridal makeup and hair for more tips.

3. Welcome Bags or Hospitality Gifts
A lot of couples forget to plan for this one, but if you're having a destination wedding or expecting guests from out of town, little welcome touches can go a long way. This is totally optional, but it’s a sweet gesture to help your guests settle in.
Budget around $15–$30 per bag, depending on what you include. Think: toiletries, snacks, mini beauty products, or a local treat.

Stationery Extras
This one can add up. Postage (especially for oversized or specialty envelopes), extra cardstock, and last-minute reprints all fall under those sneaky expenses.
Postage for invitations alone can run around $0.75–$2 per invite, and that doesn’t include return stamps for RSVP cards. Last-minute reprints or special paper might add another $50–$200 unexpectedly.

Photography @northstoryweddings.ca - Arlington Estate

Claudia and Co Wedding Tip:

Build a little cushion into your pre-wedding budget, $250 at minimum, but closer to $400–$600 if you want that peace of mind. From unexpected postage costs and stationery reprints to extra beauty appointments or last-minute guest touches, the little things add up faster than you'd think.

If you're keeping things minimal (digital invites, no welcome gifts, already did beauty trials), $250 might be enough.

Trust us, having that buffer means fewer last-minute stressors and more space to fully enjoy your day. And if you don’t use it? Hello, honeymoon treat or spontaneous late-night snacks!

Day-Of Details That Add Up

Your big day is here, yay! You’re soaking in the joy, love, and all the beauty your wedding has to offer. But have you thought about the unexpected costs that can pop up before, during, or right after the big day?

These little (but important) expenses often go overlooked in the planning process, so let’s walk through a few you’ll want to account for ahead of time.

1. Tips and Gratuities

Did you know it's customary to tip your wedding vendors, delivery drivers, and venue staff? While not always required, tipping is a meaningful way to say thank you for their hard work.

Some vendors include gratuity in their contracts, but many don’t—so be sure to review your agreements and budget for tips if it’s within your means. A little generosity goes a long way in showing appreciation to the people who make your day run smoothly.

2. Transportation for the Couple and Wedding Party

Getting from the hotel to the ceremony? From the ceremony to the reception? Or from your venue to your honeymoon suite or after-party? These in-between moments matter more than you might think, and they often come with an overlooked price tag.

Many couples forget to budget for rides like an Uber Max, private driver, or shuttle for the wedding party. You may also want to rent a getaway car for that classic just-married moment. Whatever you choose, make sure it's planned for in advance and fits comfortably in your budget.

3. Meals for Your Vendors

Your vendors are working long hours, photographers, coordinators, DJs, and videographers are often with you for the entire day. It's customary (and respectful) to provide a meal for them during the reception.

Check with your caterer about including vendor meals in your headcount. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference for the team supporting your day.

4. A Weather Plan (Especially for Outdoor Weddings)

If your wedding is outdoors, a weather backup plan is essential. Sudden rain, wind, or temperature changes can shift your plans fast, and adjustments may come with extra costs.

Some venues offer tents, heaters, or fans for an additional fee, while others may require you to rent those separately. Either way, you’ll want to have a plan in place (and in your budget) to ensure comfort no matter the forecast.

After the Wedding

You might think the spending stops when the last dance ends, but depending on what you value, there could be a few more meaningful expenses ahead. Here are a few places couples often don’t budget for—but might wish they had:

Thank You Cards & Postage
Some couples love the tradition of handwritten thank-you notes, others skip it altogether. If you’re in the “yes to paper” camp, just know this will come with printing and postage costs. It’s a lovely gesture, but be warned—it adds up fast.

Dress or Suit Cleaning & Preservation
What’s the plan for your outfit now that you’ve said “I do”? Many brides choose to preserve their dress so it stays safe from wear, tear, and yellowing over time. It’s a beautiful way to honour the day—and it’s not always cheap. A little post-wedding budget here goes a long way.

Additional Photo Albums or Prints
You’ve received your wedding gallery and—surprise—you love way more photos than you expected. Even if you didn’t opt for the full print package upfront, chances are you’ll want to order albums, framed prints, or gifts. Trust us, you’ll never regret saving a bit of extra budget to preserve those memories.

TL;DR

Wedding planning is full of hidden costs, and even the most organized couples can be caught off guard. Here’s a quick breakdown of the often-overlooked expenses you don’t want to forget:

Image From: cristinavelascophoto.com & I Got Dream Studios & @gervaisrentals & @arteeza_flowers

Before the Wedding:

Alterations & Fittings – Dresses, suits, accessories. Not just optional, these help everything fit perfectly.

Beauty Trials – Hair, makeup, spray tans, facials... it adds up fast, but skipping them can lead to big day regrets.

Welcome Gifts – Especially for out-of-town guests. Thoughtful, but not always budgeted for.

Stationery Extras – Think postage, RSVP stamps, last-minute reprints, and specialty paper. Sneaky but common.

Claudia and Co Tip: Add a $250–$600 buffer before the big day to cover these little surprises.

Day-of Costs:

Tips & Gratuities – Show appreciation for your hardworking vendors (and check your contracts).

Transportation – For you, your partner, and your wedding party between locations.

Vendor Meals – Your team is working all day, feeding them is respectful and often expected.

Weather Backups – Tents, fans, heaters, especially for outdoor weddings.

After the Wedding:

Thank You Cards & Postage – A sweet tradition that can cost more than expected.

Dress or Suit Cleaning & Preservation – Especially for sentimental or heirloom pieces.

Extra Photo Prints & Albums – You’ll love more photos than you budgeted for. Trust us.

At Claudia and Co, we understand that wedding planning can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to guide you through the process. Let us help you create the wedding of your dreams, without the stress of managing every detail on your own. Contact us today to schedule a connection call and start planning a memorable, meaningful celebration of your dreams. We’re here to bring your vision to life!