Who Pays For What - The Traditional Arrangement

There are no absolute rules on who pays for what. Traditionally, the majority of the wedding expenses have been assumed by the bride's family. However, today with the increased cost of weddings and the changing dynamics of the family unit, this obligation depends on the individual situation. It is best to discuss the budget with both families in order to work out the best solution for everyone.


Including Grooms Family

The more the groom's family is contributing to various costs, the more input they should have in the planning or decisions in those areas. The groom should be the one to approach his parents with regard to sharing expenses. Some grooms' parents may offer to assist with hosting the wedding. The bride’s parents (or the couple, if they have planned to host the wedding themselves) will make the decision whether to accept this offer or not (realizing that this possibly means giving up some of the control).

When both sets of parents are hosting the celebration, you should include the groom's parents on the wedding invitation (See Announce It! Section of the 2become1weddings CD planner for wording). Consider including family members in the ceremony traditions, or invite them to be part of the processional.


The Bride:

Accommodations for out-of-town attendants.
A wedding gift for the groom.
Gifts for the bridal attendants.
Medical examination and blood test.
Personal stationery.
Wedding ring for the groom.


The Groom:

A wedding gift for the bride.
Bachelor dinner (if not given by the best man, optional).
Bride's bouquet and going away corsage.
Clergyman's / officiant's fee.
Gifts for the best man and ushers.
Groom's wedding attire.
Marriage license.
Medical examination and blood test.
Mothers' corsages Boutonnieres for attendants and fathers.
The bride's engagement and wedding rings.
The honeymoon expenses.


The Bride and Groom:

Expenses of items desired which have exceeded the original budget.
Gifts of appreciation for parents or others who helped with your wedding.


The Bride's Family:

A wedding gift for the couple.
Bride's wedding attire and accessories.
Bridesmaids' bouquets.
Bridesmaids' luncheon.
Ceremony cost: location, music, rentals, and all related expenses.
Engagement party (optional).
Entire cost of reception: food, beverage, entertainment, rental items, decorations, wedding cake.
Floral decorations.
Photography (groom's parents may pay for the pictures they would like).
Personal wedding attire.

See to any outstanding accounts such as caterer, barman, band, DJ, coat-check, rest-room and parking attendants, at the end of the reception.

Special item they may wish to purchase: toasting goblets, ring pillow, guest book and pen, etc.

Transportation for bridal party from bride's home to the site of ceremony.

Wedding invitations, announcements, and mailing costs.


The Groom's Family:

Any general expenses they may wish to contribute.
Personal wedding attire.
Rehearsal dinner party.
Special item they may wish to purchase: toasting goblets, ring pillow, etc.
Travel and accommodations for groom's family.
Wedding gift for the bride and groom.


The Attendants:

Any travel expenses.
Bridesmaid pays for her own dress, shoes & accessories.
Bridesmaid pays for her transportation.
Bachelor party given by best man or ushers.
Showers given by maid of honor or bridesmaids.
Wedding attire for themselves.
Wedding gift for bride and groom.

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