What hidden wedding costs should we watch out for?

The ones people miss most often:

• Vendor tips: 15-20% on services that don't include gratuity. Photo, video, DJ, hair/makeup, officiant. Usually $1,200-2,500 for a mid-budget wedding.
• Marriage license: $35-100 depending on state, plus you might need a 24-72 hour wait period.
• Postage: $1.50-3.00 per invitation suite × 100 invitations = $200-300. People always forget this.
• Alterations: $400-700 for the dress alone. Suit alterations $80-150.
• Day-of getting-ready space: many venues charge $300-800 for early access if your party gets there at 8am for HMUA.
• Vendor meals: $30-60 × 4-6 vendors = $200-400.
• Setup/teardown labor: some venues are "bring everything yourself" — a $400 hidden cost most couples don't think about until 2 weeks out.
• Lighting upgrades: that "barn at sunset" photo costs an extra $400-800 in uplighting most barns don't include.
• Welcome bags / favors: $5-15 per guest × 100 = $500-1,500.
• Wedding day insurance: $150-250. Worth it. Most people skip it and regret it when something goes sideways.
• Last-minute "we forgot a thing" runs: $300-500 in misc spending that just happens.

The move: build a 10-15% buffer line item into your budget called "miscellaneous and tips." It will get used. If it doesn't get fully used, you saved money.