Traditionally, the parents of the bride and groom are responsible for paying for the wedding. With the bride's family shoulders most of the financial responsibility. However, it's becoming more and more common for the couple as well as their families to contribute towards the cost of the wedding. In addition, as men and women get married later in life, many couples decide to foot the entire bill themselves.
However, in spite of the changing trends in cost sharing, many families still prefer to go the traditional route when planning for wedding costs. The following is the traditional breakdown of who pays for what aspect of the wedding, but remember, there are no hard-and-fast rules. And if someone else offers to pay for something, smile and say, "Thank you. That's wonderful." You have just received a gift!
Pre-Wedding Parties
- © Engagement Party: Bride OR groom's family plans and hosts.
- © Rehearsal Dinner: Groom's family plans and hosts.
- © Bridesmaid Luncheon: Bride plans and hosts.
- © Bachelor's Dinner: Groom plans and hosts .
- © Bridal Shower: Maid of honor and bridesmaids host.
- © Bachelor Party: Best man and ushers host party.
Bride's Family
- © Any needed rental items
- © Transportation for the wedding party from the ceremony to the reception
- © Ceremony/Reception floral arrangements
- © Bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages for the bride's family and attendants
music (DJ, Band, soloists, etc.)
- © Hotel accommodations for the bride's attendants
- © Ceremony Costs (Church fee, etc.)
- © Ceremony Decorations
- © Favors
- © Gratuities/Tips for services
- © Guest Book
- © Invitations, thank you cards, announcements, mailing expenses, etc.
- © Lingerie
- © Photographer
- © Printed items such as napkins, matchbooks, etc.
- © Programs
- © Reception costs (hall fee, caterer, etc.)
Videographer
- © Wedding Breakfast
- © Wedding Consultant/Coordinator's Fee
- © Wedding Dress, Veil and accessories
- © Arrange for accommodations for bride's out of town guests
- © Gratuities/Tips for services
Groom's Family
- © Rehearsal dinner; transportation; and accommodations for themselves
- © Alcohol at the reception
- © Groom's Cake
- © Arrange for accommodations for groom's out of town guests
- © Honeymoon
- © Transportation from the reception
- © Rehearsal Dinner expenses
- © Hotel accommodations for the groom's attendants
Bride
- © Groom's wedding ring
- © Gifts for bride's attendants
- © Gift for groom
- © Her blood tests/medical checkup
Groom
- © Marriage license
- © Officiant's fee
- © Boutonnieres and corsages for groom's family and attendants
- © Bride's engagement and wedding rings
- © Gifts for groom's attendants
- © Gift for bride
- © Groom's attire
- © His blood tests/medical checkup
Attendants
- © Their own attire
- © Transportation to wedding city
- © Wedding gift for bride and groom
- © Shower or luncheon for the bride (bridesmaids); bachelor party for groom (groomsmen)
Flower Girl's/Ring Barrer's Parents
- © Dress, suit/tux rental and accessories
- © Hotel accommodations if arriving from out of town
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