Are you aware of the hidden costs that may come up on your wedding day?


For those that have been to hotel weddings, you may have noticed that the cakes on stage are dummy cakes, which means that it's fake! Many couples host the cake cutting segment simply for photos and do not serve actual cake due to several reasons. Another thing couples should be wary of is the corkage fee for alcohol if you decide to bring your own.

Read more to find out about these hidden fees when planning your wedding!

Cake-Cutting Fee


Are you and your partner thinking of getting a real cake that can be served to your guests at your wedding? Here are a few things you should consider before making that decision. What is a cake-cutting fee? For those that are not aware, venues usually have a fee to cut and serve the cake to the guests and depending on how large your cake and guest lists is, it may amount to a hefty cost. The fake cake is usually made of cardboard or styrofoam to achieve the cake shape.


Check with your venue if there is a cake-cutting fee and how much it is, there may be room for negotiation depending if it is off-peak wedding season. Some venues may even ask you to sign a liability wavier form as you are bringing your own food into the venue, this is precaution as if there's a case of food poisoning from the cake, they do not have to bear the responsibility.


However, keep in mind that even though having a real cake can be aesthetically pleasing, your guests may not be able to finish or eat it as they would have already ate 7-8 courses (including dessert) before that!


Pro-tip: Assign someone from your bridal party to help cut and serve the cut to avoid the cut-cutting fee! (Check with your venue and see if they allow this)

Corkage Fee


If you're wondering why there's a limited supply of alcohol at a wedding, the cause is most likely, the corkage fee. One often overlooked aspect of planning a wedding is the corkage fee, an additional charge venues may impose for bringing in your own alcohol. While it can seem like a budget-friendly option to supply your own drinks, many venues charge corkage fees per bottle opened, which can quickly add up. These fees can vary widely depending on the venue, ranging from a reasonable amount to a significant expense.


To navigate this potential hidden cost, couples should carefully consider their options. Firstly, it's important to ask about corkage fees early in the planning process when selecting a venue. This allows for budgeting purposes and prevents any last-minute surprises. Secondly, couples should weigh the pros and cons of bringing in their own alcohol versus purchasing it through the venue. While bringing your own can offer cost savings, it also involves additional logistics, such as transportation, storage, and ensuring the venue allows alcohol brought in. Lastly, negotiating corkage fees or exploring package deals with venues can help minimize costs.


By being prepared and informed about corkage fees, couples can better manage their wedding expenses and ensure a smoother planning process overall


Pro-tip: Some hotels may let you waive the corkage fee if you choose not to use the decor or wedding favours part of your package from them!

Are you ready to negotiate?


These hidden fees can be pricey but also, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event! Do weigh your priorities to decide if it's worth it to pay for these hidden fees.

Our tip? Always remember to check these hidden fees before you even confirm your venue to prevent getting a shock at the end of your big day due to the high bill!


Here at Luna Bianca, we are committed to ensuring you have a stress-free wedding day, negotiating is not everyone's strong suit and it can be overwhelming or intimidating to many. Having a wedding planner to deal with the negotiating for you, will take away that burden for you as there may also be bargaining with other wedding vendors.

Check out our Wedding Planning & Styling page!