"Essential Items Often Missed in Initial Estimates: A Comprehensive Guide for Peace of Mind"
2021.05.17 published
Don't you think the first estimate you receive for your wedding is too simplistic?
When you visit a wedding venue, the estimate you receive serves as a decision-making tool on whether to hold the ceremony or not. The venue typically hands you an estimate stating, "With this, you can have a standard wedding."
However, don't you think the very first estimate you receive from the wedding venue is too simplistic? It contains only the minimum items and ranks. Is there really anyone who would have their wedding based solely on that minimum rank and items?
If you know the causes of rising estimate amounts, it's not scary!
The very first estimate you receive for your wedding is the bare minimum. Therefore, many brides find that the estimate amount ends up being higher than expected!
There are three main reasons why the estimate amount increases: the first is "because the food and flowers are upgraded"; the second is "because the number of guests increased"; and the third is "because additional items that weren't included in the estimate arise." While the first two reasons—upgrading food and increasing guests—are inevitable, the third reason, "additional items," might be hard to anticipate.
This time, we'll introduce some items that many people often need but are not included, so please compare it with the estimate you received from the wedding venue and check if "this might be missing?"
\Let's review the wedding estimate/Commonly missing items that many need ① Photos and Videos
First, items related to photos and videos are often missing from the wedding estimate. Many estimates do not include photo or video options, or only provide the minimum plan. If you're a bride who wants to keep all the photo data and video footage, make sure to check this!
✓ Is the photo data included? (Many places only offer albums and do not provide digital files.)
✓ Are the numbers for family photos and studio shots sufficient? (Pay attention if you need to provide copies for both families and grandparents!)
✓ Does the video coverage include makeup scenes and the after-party? (It seems that many plans only cover from the ceremony to the end of the reception.)
✓ Are there options for a profile movie or end roll? (Even if you're bringing in your own, there might be equipment usage fees.)
\Let's review the wedding estimate/Commonly missing items that many need ② Costs for family and relatives' outfits
Costs for the outfits and dressing of family and relatives also tend to be missing. It's common for mothers and grandmothers from both families to wear kimono, and fathers to wear morning suits; relatives' women often wear visiting dresses or furisode. Check with your parents and verify these items!
✓ Are the rental costs for outfits included? (Be sure to check for any accessories that may need to be rented or purchased.)
✓ How about hair and makeup for family and relatives? (Confirm whether dressing, hair, makeup, or both are provided.)
\Let's review the wedding estimate/Commonly missing items that many need ③ Beverages
At weddings, the beverages for the guests are often listed as just the minimum items. Let's check what items are available!
✓ What does the drink plan include? (Is it an all-you-can-drink plan? Does it include champagne for toasting? Are cocktails available?)
✓ Is a welcome drink included? (While having a welcome drink is not mandatory, it significantly boosts guest satisfaction!)
\Let's review the wedding estimate/Commonly missing items that many need ④ Gift items
The [gift items] given to guests are often added on later. Since gift items are the token of gratitude for the guests who brought monetary gifts, it's reassuring to include a few extra in the estimate.
✓ Is the number of gift items adequate? (The estimate reflects an predicted number at the time, but many brides find the actual count to be about 90% of that.)
✓ Is the budget for gift items reasonable? (For cases with many bosses or relatives, it's best to differentiate the gifts based on average price.)
✓ Are there small gifts included? (While small gifts have now become a standard item, many venues surprisingly haven't included them.)
Being prepared brings peace of mind! Knowing the factors that lead to an increased estimate will give you confidence.
Have you checked for the "often missing items" in the wedding venue estimate? Even if you're a bride thinking, "I can't believe it could go up by a million...!", knowing which items might be missing or could lead to an increase can provide peace of mind.
You want to have a wonderful wedding, but the costs are a genuine concern. Take some time to learn about wedding estimate items so you can make your wedding even more special!