Unexpected Wedding Costs You’re Probably Forgetting (But Shouldn’t!)

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of excitement—and a lot of expenses. You’ve budgeted for the venue, dress, and catering, but what about those sneaky costs that couples often overlook? As a wedding planner with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve seen these unexpected expenses catch couples off guard. Here’s what you need to plan for so you don’t get hit with surprise costs later.

1. Taxes, Gratuities, and Service Fees

Many vendors add taxes and gratuities to their final bill, but they don’t always mention them upfront. Some venues and caterers charge a service fee (usually 18–25%) on top of the bill, which is not the same as gratuity.

💡 Pro Tip: Always ask vendors for the “out-the-door” total, including all fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying.

2. Marriage License & Officiant Fees

A marriage license in Oklahoma typically costs $50–$75 (or $5 if you’ve taken premarital counseling). If you’re hiring a professional officiant, their fee can range from $200–$500, depending on their experience and whether you want a custom ceremony.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute—some counties require a waiting period before issuing your marriage license.

3. Vendor Meals

Your photographer, videographer, DJ, and wedding planner will be with you all day, and most contracts require that you provide them with a meal. That’s an extra 5–10 meals to add to your catering order.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your caterer about vendor meal pricing—it’s usually lower than guest meals.

4. Cake Cutting & Corkage Fees

If your venue allows outside cake or alcohol, they may charge a cake cutting fee ($1–$5 per slice) or a corkage fee ($10–$25 per bottle) for serving outside drinks.

💡 Pro Tip: If these fees seem high, ask your venue if they’ll waive them if you use their catering service.

5. Extra Decor & Rentals

Even if your venue includes tables and chairs, you may need to rent additional items like:

✔️ Table linens and napkins

✔️ Chargers, specialty glassware, or upgraded flatware

✔️ Ceremony arches or backdrops

✔️ Lounge furniture

💡 Pro Tip: Before renting, check with your venue to see what’s included. Some venues have hidden treasures in storage!

6. Sound & Power Fees

Outdoor venues may charge a fee for bringing in a generator or sound system. Some require a permit for amplified music, which can cost extra.

💡 Pro Tip: If your DJ or band needs power access, confirm with the venue where they’ll plug in—some locations charge extra for electrical setup.

7. Transportation for Guests

If you’re providing shuttles or party buses for guests, don’t forget to budget for:

✔️ Hourly minimums (most require at least 4 hours)

✔️ Driver gratuities (usually 10–20%)

✔️ Gas and mileage fees

💡 Pro Tip: If guests are Ubering or using a shuttle, make sure they know the last pickup time so no one gets stranded.

8. Overtime Fees

If your reception runs longer than planned, vendors may charge overtime fees:

✔️ Venue rental overtime – Some charge by the hour; others may have a flat “late night” fee.

✔️ DJ or band overtime – Musicians may charge an additional $100–$500 per hour to keep the party going.

✔️ Photographer/videographer overtime – Some charge an hourly rate for extra coverage beyond the contracted time.

💡 Pro Tip: If you think your party might go long, ask about overtime rates upfront so you’re not surprised later.

9. Post-Wedding Costs

Once the wedding is over, a few final expenses can sneak up on you:

✔️ Dress cleaning & preservation – Can range from $100–$300.

✔️ Tux or suit returns – Some rental companies charge late fees if the suit isn’t returned on time.

✔️ Thank-you cards & postage – Sending thank-you notes to all your guests can add up, especially if you’re mailing internationally.

💡 Pro Tip: Budget an extra $200–$500 for these post-wedding expenses so you’re not caught off guard.

Plan for the Unexpected & Enjoy a Stress-Free Wedding

Budgeting for these often-forgotten expenses will save you stress (and sticker shock) later. At Tulsa Wedding & Design, we help couples navigate these hidden costs so there are no surprises.

Need help planning your dream wedding without breaking the bank? Let’s chat!