Hidden Wedding Costs Most Couples Miss (And How All-Inclusive Packages Solve Them)

Oct 16

If you’ve started planning your wedding, you’ve probably already noticed how fast the costs add up.
You budget for the big things — the venue, catering, photographer, and dress — but it’s the hidden costs that sneak up and leave couples wondering how they went over budget so fast.

From overlooked rental fees to last-minute vendor add-ons, weddings can quickly spiral into a financial surprise party you didn’t plan for.

But here’s the good news: there’s a smarter, simpler way to plan your dream day without the stress or sticker shock.
It starts with choosing an all-inclusive wedding venue — like Rose Briar Place in Oklahoma City — where everything you need is already built into your package.

Let’s look at some of the most common hidden wedding costs couples face, and how all-inclusive packages save you thousands (and your sanity).

1. Décor & Setup Fees

When you book a traditional or “DIY-style” venue, the space often looks beautiful — but that’s all you’re getting: just the space. Everything else (linens, centerpieces, glassware, candles, chargers) is an add-on expense.

Even basic rentals can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on your guest count and style. Then, there’s delivery, setup, and cleanup — all extra.

At Rose Briar Place, everything you see in our gallery — from table linens, napkins, and chargers to greenery and centerpieces — is already included in our all-inclusive design packages.

You choose your aesthetic, we handle the setup and takedown. No extra rental companies, no delivery fees, no stress.

2. Coordinator or Day-Of Management

Many couples assume the venue manager will help coordinate their day, but that’s rarely the case. Most venues only provide someone to unlock the doors and check in vendors. Everything else? That’s on you — or your family.

Hiring an outside coordinator can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on experience and scope.

At Rose Briar Place, every wedding package includes a professional day-of coordinator who manages your entire timeline, communicates with vendors, and ensures everything runs smoothly.
It’s one of the most overlooked — but most essential — services for a stress-free day.

3. Catering & Staffing Costs

Many couples are shocked to find out their venue doesn’t include catering or service staff. That means you’ll have to hire (and pay) for additional servers, cleanup crews, and bartenders on top of your food costs.

With an all-inclusive venue, those details are simplified. At Rose Briar Place, couples have the flexibility to choose from our in-house catering options or bring in their own — making it perfect for cultural traditions or family recipes.

No extra rental kitchens, no staffing surprises, no hidden cleanup fees.

4. Setup & Teardown Labor

Some venues charge extra to set up tables and chairs, or even require you (or your family) to handle teardown after the reception.

That’s not how it should be on your wedding day.

At Rose Briar Place, full setup and teardown are always included. Our staff handles everything behind the scenes so you can focus on celebrating, not cleaning up.

5. Rentals, Delivery Fees & Damages

When you rent items individually — linens, tables, or glassware — you’ll likely face delivery fees, setup minimums, and even “damage deposits.”

Those hidden charges add up fast, often pushing your budget 20–30% over what you expected.

By choosing a venue where those essentials are already included, you’re not only saving money — you’re saving time and peace of mind.

6. Entertainment Coordination

Some venues require you to provide your own MC or pay extra for someone to manage the flow of your reception — from introductions to first dances and announcements.

At Rose Briar Place, that’s part of our signature 4 C’s:

Catering – Flexible options designed for you
Cake – A custom wedding cake included in your package
Coordinator – A professional day-of coordinator for seamless flow
MC – A built-in host to keep your reception energy high and on schedule

These four essentials are the foundation of every Rose Briar wedding, designed to remove the most stressful parts of planning.

7. Upgrades and Aesthetic Extras

What many couples don’t realize is that venues often charge extra for even the smallest “extras” — like sparkler exits, chair upgrades, or photo backdrops.

At Rose Briar Place, those little details that make your day magical are already built into our design packages:

✨ Classic, Prestige, and Majestic — each tier offering elevated options like:

Gold or Mahogany Chiavari Chairs
Eucalyptus Greenery
Boxwood Wall or Arbor for photos
Grand Cold Spark Exit (Majestic Package)
“Happily Ever After” Neon Sign
Hot Cocoa or S’mores Bar (Majestic Package)

Every couple deserves a celebration that feels personal, elegant, and stress-free — without the surprise add-ons.

8. Time and Energy

Finally, the biggest hidden cost of all — your time.

Coordinating vendors, managing deliveries, and troubleshooting on the big day can take over 100 hours of your life — hours you could be spending enjoying your engagement.

By choosing an all-inclusive venue, you’re essentially hiring a full team of experts who’ve already done this hundreds of times. It’s not just a service — it’s a sanity-saver.

The Smart Way to Plan a Stress-Free Wedding

At Rose Briar Place, our goal is simple:
You bring the dress. We do the rest. (Almost.)

We believe couples deserve a wedding day that feels effortless and beautiful — without having to juggle 10 different vendors or unexpected invoices.

That’s why our all-inclusive packages include everything from décor and coordination to catering flexibility and setup. No hidden costs. No surprises. Just one team, one price, and one unforgettable day.

Ready to See What’s Included?

If you’re planning your wedding in Oklahoma and want to avoid the surprise fees that blow most budgets, schedule a tour at Rose Briar Place today.

You’ll see why we’re one of the highest-rated all-inclusive wedding venues in Oklahoma, with hundreds of 5-star reviews from couples who loved not just their day — but the stress-free experience leading up to it.

Because when every detail is handled for you, all that’s left to do is celebrate.