So, he’s finally proposed, the initial elation has settled, friends and family have been given the happy news, and you’ve browsed through a pile of gorgeously tempting bridal magazines. Now it’s time to get down to the planning – or, more specifically, the budget.

Now, while we’d all like to have the wedding of our dreams without any constraints on the budget, the majority of us don’t have that luxury. Even after we’ve carefully worked out and set our budget, not to mention doing our very best to stick to it, most brides will tell you that there were a few unexpected expenses they did not account for.

1. Dress Alterations

While there are plenty of bridal gowns to choose from, finding the perfect fit is not always so easy. Alterations can easily add on a couple of hundred pounds to the overall cost. Now, you might be lucky, but to be on the safe side it would be wise to add-in some extra money to cover this – it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate.

2. Hair and Make-Up Trials

Don’t always assume that one hair and make-up trial will be all that you need. Sometimes it takes a couple of trials to get the exact look that you want, not to mention that of the bridesmaids to complement your look. Again, to be on the safe side, factor in an extra session or two just in case.

3. Postage Costs

Don’t make the mistake of getting so caught up in choosing stationary that you forget about the postage costs of sending the invitations out, not forgetting the postage for the thank-you notes afterwards, either. Work out how many guests you will have, the cost of postage for each invitation and multiply it by two at least.

4. Corkage and Cake Cutting

Most wedding venues will charge extra for cutting the cake into individual slices and charge you by the person. Now it might only seem like a couple of extra pounds but it can really add up, even if your guest list is short. Although corkage is usually factored in to the quote given by your venue before you make the commitment, just make sure you are prepared for it and don’t have to go back and juggle the budget around. You’ll be charged by the bottle which can add on a fairly substantial amount to your final invoice.

5. Meals and Snacks

It’s customary to provide meals for the photographer and the videographer – they’ll be with you all day and most probably into the evening, after all. This will be in addition to the price per head for the formal sit-down. There’s also the fact that both you and your bridesmaids will likely need feeding while you’re getting ready – you don’t want to be drinking all that champagne on an empty stomach! If you’re getting ready at your venue you’ll be charged for drinks, plates of sandwiches and any other snacks you might order during the preparations.