The Real Costs Behind A Wedding: What Couples Don’t Realize Until It’s To Late

As a venue owner and planner I work directly with couples starting with the tour, to sales to helping with planning their wedding. I am finding in 2025 many couples that come to me do not actually know the real cost of a wedding. Therefore they either don’t budget enough or they overpay.

When shopping for your venue remember that every venue has different charges and inclusions. You might find a venue that charges $5000.00 but nothing is included and you have to rent everything. That greatly increases your overall cost. Venues also have fees that are sometimes hidden like admin fees, set up /cleanup, extended hours fees and taxes. Make sure to ask about these fees.

Catering can also be a shocker when you get that quote or final bill. Some caterers charge cake cutting fees, corking fees, clean up and set up fees, travel expenses ect. Remember to ask how much all your table setting, linens and glassware will also cost.

Flowers are another area where you might get a surprise. Most of the flowers florists use are not grown in the US ( like about 80%) The cost to import goods and the tariffs have skyrocketed for all products. Out of season flowers and premium florals will cost you more, then there’s delivery costs, set up costs, vases, materials used and the designers themselves and what they charge.

For you to get the real cost of your wedding you have to get exact quotes from each vendor and make sure all their fees are included so you are not surprised when you get the final bill. When you find a wedding venue or vendor that is such a great price that you can’t believe it, don’t believe it. Ask the questions before its too late.

Good Luck!

Cheers, Lisa