Hidden Costs of Planning a Destination Wedding you Did not Count On

One of the first things you do when planning your wedding is work out a wedding budget so you can start the fun things of finding a perfect venue, the dress and suppliers such as photographers, entertainment and decor.

But you do need to be prepared for those hidden costs and the unexpected and we do advise all our clients to add an extra 10% onto their wedding budget as those unforeseens pop up.  

We thought we would share a few hidden weddings costs that most of our couples do not anticipate when planning a destination wedding and also I will share a huge bug bear of mine when it comes to dealing with wedding venues with 'in quote' 'wedding packages', so to avoid any big surprises do read on.

1. Hair, make up and beauty treatments

All of us want to look out best on wedding days so do take into account the cost of wedding pampering and the hair and make up trials.  

Most hair and make up trials will be around 60 euros each and having nails, pedicures, eyelash extensions and other beauty treatments will soon add to your wedding budget.  

It is always a good idea to set aside a budget for this dependent on how many bridesmaids and members of the wedding party you will be offering beauty treatments to.

2. Wedding Dress and Suits Steaming and Pressing

Many of our destination weddings have their outfits carefully packed and hung out ready for the big day but often they require some steaming or pressing, do add a professional steam or press into your budget as well as buying pre rehearsal and post wedding day outfits if entertaining your guests over a 3 or 4 day period which is common for a destination wedding.

3. Staff meals

There are usually a whole host of wedding professionals helping you along with your day and many of them are working more than a 12 hour shift in a hot climate.  

Most venues and caterers offer a staff meal and refreshments so you will need to account for the wedding planner, the photographer and videographer and perhaps the band, DJ, etc and any technicians who are required on site throughout the day and night.

4. On The Day Lunch

As you and your bridal party are getting ready you will need to eat as you prepare for your wedding.  

Most venues and caterers will bring a sandwich platter and drinks to your room and of course every bridal party needs to add cava or champagne to calm the pre-wedding nerves so allow for some pre bridal and pre groom lunches and drinks.

5. Stationery

It is always wonderful to receive a beautiful wedding invitation in the post but consider the cost of sending our your invites, including the postage, which can quickly add up.

Combined with on the day stationery such as Order of Services, table seating plans, table names and place cards and all your paper goods for the day, this can be quite a cost but also stamps a style to your wedding day so it is a very important consideration to add to your wedding budget particularly with destination weddings as it is not easy to DIY this when travelling abroad.

Regarding hidden costs of venues that offer wedding packages here are some of the things that may not be included, so be warned of the extras that pop up when negotiating and organising the extras with your venue.

1. Microphones and sound equipment for speeches

It goes without saying there will be speeches and some background music at weddings, but be aware many venues do not offer this as part of their package, it is an extra and can be anything from 150 euros to 300 euros.

2. Water

We host weddings in a very hot country and it is courtesy to offer your guests a cool water as they arrive ready for your ceremony.  Here in Spain we do not drink tap water so all water supplied is bottled and this comes with a cost that is not included in the pre wedding arrival of guests which can average around 2.50 euros per head.  Quite a cost with 100 to 200 guests.

3. Wedding Cakes

Bringing in your own wedding cake, again be aware that if you are ordering a cake from an outside supplier they maybe a cost from the venue per head to cut and serve this cake.


This service will require the venue's staff time, you will be using their plates and cutlery and this needs to be paid for so do check with your wedding venue the cost of this if you are planning on bringing in catering in any shape or form from outside suppliers.


While some of these costs are unavoidable and others are not essential it is good to know from the start so there are no hidden surprises so do build this into your wedding budgets and always add an extra 10% just in case.