The wedding budget checklist most couples forget

Venue & rentals

• Ceremony site fee
• Reception site fee
• Rehearsal dinner venue
• Chair rental (ceremony + reception)
• Table rental
• Linen upgrade
• China, glassware, flatware (if not included)
• Dance floor
• Lounge furniture
• Tent, lighting, generator (outdoor)
• Portable restrooms (outdoor)

Catering & bar

• Per-plate meal cost × guest count
• Kids' meals
• Vendor meals (photo, DJ, planner)
• Bar package (open, hosted beer/wine, cash)
• Bartender fees
• Corkage if you bring wine
• Cake cutting fee
• Late-night snack
• Bar-tab overages

Photography & video

• Photographer package
• Second shooter
• Videographer
• Engagement session
• Album
• Prints, USB, gallery hosting

Attire & beauty

• Dress + alterations
• Veil, shoes, accessories
• Suit/tux
• Hair & makeup (trial + day of)
• Bridesmaids' HMU

Florals & décor

• Bouquets
• Boutonnières
• Ceremony arrangements
• Centerpieces
• Aisle petals, arches
• Signage & seating chart

Music

• Ceremony musicians
• Cocktail-hour music
• DJ or band
• Sound + microphone rental

Stationery

• Save-the-dates
• Invitations + envelopes
• Postage (both directions)
• Programs
• Menus, place cards, escort cards
• Thank-you cards

Cake & desserts

• Wedding cake
• Grooms/dessert bar
• Cake stand rental
• Delivery fee

Transportation

• Getting-ready car
• Guest shuttle
• Send-off vehicle

Gifts & extras

• Bridal party gifts
• Parent gifts
• Welcome bags
• Favors

Hidden line items couples always miss

• Vendor tips — 10–20% on top of every invoice unless gratuity is already included.
• Marriage license — $35–$115 depending on state/country.
• Sales tax on rentals & catering — 6–10% on top of quoted subtotals.
• Service charge — most catering contracts add 18–24%.
• Overtime — plan for one hour past scheduled end.
• Hotel block attrition fees — if you don't fill the block.

Track it live

Use our free calculator or spin up the full app to keep your budget in sync with your guest list and deposits.