ANYONE who has organised a wedding will know that it costs… a lot.
Couples usually save for months to build a budget for their big day, and there are way more things to fork out for than you might think.
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But aside from the obvious – the rings, suit and dress, venue, flowers and cake – there are plenty of hidden costs.
That’s why so many people look for money-saving hacks ahead of their big day or opt for a smaller ceremony to mark the occasion.
One exasperated bride-to-be has taken to TikTok to express her shock at the high price of the stuff she is being billed for.
Seemingly, many of the goods and services double in price for having the word ‘wedding’ associated with them.
TikTok user Beth shared a video to her account (@bethanyxanne_), asking viewers in the caption: “What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve paid for for your wedding?”
Speaking to the camera, she said: “People ask me, what do you wish you knew about booking a wedding before you did it?
“Um, that putting fairy lights on a pillar is gonna cost me £300.
“They’re already there! How is it costing me £300?
“I could put them up for 20 quid, but no, it’s a wedding – it’s ridiculous.”
Viewers flooded the comments in agreement, sharing their own bizarre stories of hidden wedding costs.
Wild wedding fees
One user wrote: “Our friends got married at Christmas and their venue tried to charge them extra for Christmas decorations that were going to be up anyway.
“My friend said ‘fine take them down’ and the venue soon changed their mind and included them as a complimentary add-on because it genuinely would have taken more time and effort for them to take the decorations down.”
“Omg, I couldn’t agree more!! I’ve also had quotes to cut my cake up for me (that I’ve paid for already) – £10 a slice”
TikTok user
Another person wrote: “Having to pay the registrar an ‘attendance fee’ on the day as if we haven’t already paid £500 for them to do the service – why am I paying you to show up, is that not included?”
What is the average cost of a wedding cake?
ALONGSIDE the dress, the venue, the flowers and the bride and groom themselves, choosing a wedding cake is one of the most important parts of organising a perfect day.
But ensuring you’ve got the perfect cake can be an expensive business.
Becky Hartt from Hartt Cakes spoke to Hitched.co.uk about her business, and revealed her average cake costs between £450 and £750.
This cost depends on the size of the cake, the ingredients and the decoration.
Professional wedding cake maker Kate, from Little Button Bakery, said she works out the price of a cake by using the equation: “Basic costs + cost of business overheads + cost of time + profit = price.”
“It is usually around 20-30 hours work in one wedding cake when you consider: admin time, researching designs, cake tasting and consultation, preparing and tweaking the final design, sourcing materials, liaising with other suppliers and the venue, baking, creating and finishing the cake, delivering and setting up the cake and checking in afterwards,” she added.
While an average cake is anything up to £750, some people spend thousands on the perfect one for them.
As others can spend a lot less on their cake by going to an alternative such as a cheese cake, a cupcake tower or a doughnut wall.
While someone else said: “I wanted some candles down some steps. They said £80 per step and there were maybe 15-20 steps….?! We said no.”
A gobsmacked user wrote: “Lights for the ceremony, for like 20 minutes, £700! Already in place! Please, who is your energy provider and I’ll chat to them.”
I kept getting emails from my venue asking if I wanted to hire a giant outdoor Jenga game for £200??…. I got married in December!
TikTok user
And when it comes to feeding your guests, all the dining extras add up – before you even factor in the cost of the food.
One user wrote: “£100 for 50 napkins and to BORROW their knife to cut the cake…”
While someone else said: “I’m paying £18.50 corkage for them to open a bottle I am buying at the supermarket for £8.”
