Wedding Venue Budget Breakdown: Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

You're planning your wedding, have a budget, and you've found the perfect venue. You toured the venue, read over what's all included, and you're about to sign the contract and put down the down payment. Before you sign that contract, have you asked them if there are hidden wedding venue costs in addition to what it costs to book the venue itself? Oftentimes, there are additional costs, and some venues may not be upfront about those. Make sure to ask your venue questions regarding costs, especially ones like we are highlighting below, to ensure you aren't surprised by any hidden fees.

Venue Insurance

Some venues require you to have liability insurance that you must purchase in addition to your rental fee. While this is usually fairly inexpensive, it is still an added cost that you want to leave room for in your budget.

Setup & Clean-up Fees

Setting up the day of your wedding and cleaning up the night of your wedding are the last things you want to do on this big day. Some have hidden wedding venue costs and may charge you if you want to use the space beyond your actual wedding day. Ask them if it costs any extra to set up the day before and clean up from your wedding the day after.

Overtime Fees

Sometimes a wedding can go longer than you anticipated, and most venues begin to charge overtime after midnight. Ensure your venue does not do this, and if it does, just be sure you and your guests are out before this time starts.

Cake Cutting Fees

A cost to cut your cake? We know, it seems silly, but many venues charge you to cut and serve your cake.

Tables, Chairs & Linens

Are tables, chairs, and linens included in the venue rental fee? It is possible they are not. Be sure to ask your venue if you can use these items with the cost of your rental fee or if you have to rent them out yourself. Tables, chairs, and linens are not cheap to rent!

Parking Costs & Services

Downtown wedding? Your guests (or you) may have to pay for parking if your wedding is in an area like downtown.

Bar Fees & Security

Serving alcohol at your wedding? Taxes, service charges, and possible minimums come with many bar services. Your venue may also require you to have a security guard during the hours you are serving alcohol.

Outside Vendor Surcharges

Some venues allow you to use whatever vendors you'd like, while others may charge you if you do not use vendors on their preferred vendor list. Be sure to ask your venue what is allowed before you make your final decision on booking the venue, if you have certain vendors in mind.

While the wedding venue quote might seem too good to be true, you need to make sure you are asking about the hidden wedding venue costs before you book. Some venues will be upfront with you when you tour or chat with them, while others may not mention anything until months in advance, before your wedding, when you have already signed the contract.