The Citizen, 2015-02-26, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015. PAGE 15.
MS –In the days of yore, the
responsibility of paying for a
wedding fell to the bride’s parents.
But that tradition has largely fallen
by the wayside in recent years, when
more and more couples have used
their own savings to finance their
weddings.
Few couples enter the process of
planning their weddings unaware of
just how expensive weddings can
get, but costs can easily begin to
escalate if couples are not careful.
Couples know that certain
wedding expenses, such as the cost
of booking a reception hall, will eat
up a large portion of their budgets.
But there are some hidden expenses
that couples must build into their
budgets to avoid finding themselves
in debt as they walk down the aisle
as husband and wife.
• Taxes:Sales tax might not seem
so significant when you’re buying
everyday items, but the taxes add up
quickly when paying for a wedding.
Before signing contracts with any
vendors, couples should get the price
including sales tax written into their
contracts, as failing to do so may
result in a several thousand dollar
surprise when it’s time to pay up.
• Gratuities:Gratuities are
another potentially hefty expense
that often takes engaged couples by
surprise as they start to plan their
weddings. Some reception halls
build gratuities for staff into their
estimates, and these tips for the staff
can be as high as 25 per cent at some
venues. But even if gratuities for
reception hall staff are already
accounted for, don’t forget to include
tips for additional vendors the day of
the wedding.
Couples may be expected to tip the
florist, photographer, band or deejay.
Brides-to-be typically tip their
hairstylist and makeup artist on the
day of the wedding as well.
• Postage: Couples who plan to
invite guests via e-mail or online
invitations can skirt the cost of
postage. But many couples still
prefer traditional paper invitations,
which include return envelopes that
tradition suggests should also be
stamped. Save-the-date cards have
grown in popularity as well, and
these cards must also be stamped
and mailed. Depending on the size
of your guest list, postage can cost
several hundred dollars before you
mail your last invitation. And don’t
forget to save some money for
postage to mail thank-you
cards once the big day has come
and gone.
• Overtime: Overtime fees for
reception hall staff and additional
outside vendors are typically written
into contracts, but few couples
imagine needing more than the
predetermined allotment of time
noted in their contracts. But it’s
better to be safe than sorry, as
unanticipated events such as a
misplaced wedding license or heavy
traffic on the way to the venue can
force the party to start late and thus
extend past its deadline. Set aside
some money for overtime so you
don’t find yourselves scrounging for
dollars or charging the extra few
hundred dollars on your credit cards.
Weddings are expensive, and even
more so when hidden fees start to
make their presence felt. Couples
who build such fees into their
budgets will find it easier to avoid
breaking the bank than those who
don’t.
Beware of hidden expenses
Buyer beware
There are many anticipated costs associated with a
wedding day, but there are also some that aren’t so
anticipated. Here’s a list of costs with which you may be
unfamiliar. (MS photo)
Catering to Your Tastes
Wingham Columbus Centre
Facilities Available For
• Wedding Ceremonies •Fully Licensed Bar
• Wedding Receptions under LCBO
• Buck & Does •Catering - On/Off Site
• Family & Private Parties • 2 Rooms Available
• Business Meetings •Large room - up to
• Bridal Showers 450 people
• Birthday Parties • Small room - up to 50 people
Contact Susan Doig
99 Kerr Drive, Wingham
519-357-1270
Outdoor Weddings
Now Available!
Book Your
2015 Wedding Reception
by April 30, 2015
and your wedding party eats free!
(up to 10 people)
Call today for booking and rates for weddings, buck & does,
anniversaries, banquets, meetings, or any other special event.
A Reception of Perfection
North Huron Wescast Community Complex Wingham 519-357-1208
Hot Stove Lounge accommodates up to 80 people.
Arena floor available during summer
for up to 1000 people.
Blyth Community Centre Hall - 519-357-1208
Accommodates 360 people.
Air-conditioned with full kitchen facilities.
Arena floor available during summer for up to 1000 people.
Township of
North Huron Facilities
1-800-834-4414
Serving mid-western Ontario
since 1997
C & P
Portables
for people who are “out” and “going”
Offering for weddings / special
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washroom trailers or the
portable white wedding units
with flush and handwash
features.
Prompt delivery of
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always clean, always fresh
Providing portable washrooms for any
outdoor activity
• workplaces • construction sites • special events • parties and weddings
Providing portable washrooms for any
outdoor activity
• workplaces • construction sites • special events • parties and weddings
Bridal Temptations
332 Tenth St. Hanover
519 364 1819
bridaltemptations.com
2015 Wedding Showcase