bridal favors: Save on gifts for guests at wedding

The wedding dress. The caterer. The reception hall and band. You arrange these big-day essentials months, or often a year, in advance. But gifts for your guests are another matter. They're one of many wedding details that typically pop up at the end of your planning--and when your budget is starting to be stretched. "The sticker shock happens a lot when you're shopping at the beginning," said Alan Fields, co-author of "Bridal Bargains" (Windsor Peak Press, $15). "But it's really easy to add here and there and suddenly realize you've overspent by $3,000." In fact, 31 percent of couples do not stick to their initial budget, according to a recent survey of 500 newlyweds by American Express. And roughly half of couples said having more post-bash money was a top desire. With many weddings now costing more than $20,000 and more couples picking up all or a portion of the tab, you'll alleviate stress and avoid going deeper into debt with a little extra planning. Here's what to expect: Be ready for last-minute guests. Though guests typically RSVP by the given deadline, there's always a few no-shows--and unexpected arrivals. The cost for five additional people (at $40 a head): $200. Most caterers and reception venues can accommodate a few extra bodies, said Brooke Bandik, a wedding and event planner at Tying the Knot in Hinsdale. Because you can pay for those plates afterward, don't overstate the guest count. You won't get a refund. But you should leave a little room in your budget, just in case. Remember taxes and tips. Most vendor contracts will include taxes and gratuity. But if it has been a few months since the ink dried, double-check what's included in the total and ask if there could be any other fees. The cost: A gratuity can be as high as 20 percent of the bill. Also, on the day of the wedding, it's sometimes customary to tip vendors that don't charge a gratuity. Ask friends or your wedding coordinator what's typical in your area. "It's very common in the Northeast to have almost everyone get a tip," Fields said. Allow, say, $150 or more: $50 each for the maitre d', photographer and disc jockey. Avoid overtime fees. Don't underestimate that amount of time you'll want the band to play or the photographer to snap shots. Otherwise, overtime fees can be exorbitant. The cost: as much as $500 per additional hour. "Any sort of prior thought is better than a decision during your wedding because you'll have no pull with your vendors that day," Bandik said. Consider small details. Your bridal party stood with you as you got hitched. Mom and Dad helped with the planning and possibly gave some money toward the cost. And your guests showed up with gifts and good cheer. A small gift to all of them shows your appreciation. But favors alone average $2 per person. Add other touches, such as place cards, a guestbook and programs, and the total could add up to another $1,500 for a 200-person wedding. And don't forget any dress alterations that may be necessary. "A lot of brides lose or gain weight during this process," said Ali Phillips of Chicago-based Engaging Events by Ali. "It depends on how you deal with stress." Wedding coordinators recommend you allot another 10 to 15 percent of your initial budget for last-minute expenses. If you're planning a wedding on your own, online calculators, such as the one at weddings.theknot.com/budgeter, will help you account for these expenses, as well as track what you're actually spending. "Planning ahead is huge," said coordinator Bandik. "That's the main reason people overspend. If you plan ahead for what you know you want, there's often enough money in the end to have it all." Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune