While planning your wedding, the question of who is responsible for covering what costs will surely be one of the first to cross your mind. Depending on your family's own traditional backgrounds and etiquette, locations and items that you may already have at your disposal, and simply the changing of the times, there really is no completely "correct" answer or outline as to who is expected to pay for what items, costs, and other services. In this article, you will find some basic guidelines and simple references to keep in mind that have been common throughout the years, although nothing is set in stone when it comes to funding your wedding.
It is also important to remember that the cost of a wedding has grown substantially in more recent years. With couples marrying later, many times after having successful careers of their own, it's become more common for the bride and groom themselves to contribute heavily (if not completely) to the cost of their wedding. The parents of the groom are also much more commonly involved nowadays in the finances of the wedding. A modern popular opinion is to have the couple themselves, along with each of their families to each contribute one-third.
Here is a basic layout to begin planning the financial costs of your wedding:
Ceremony
- Bride and family are responsible for the location, church, entertainment, and so on.
- Groom and family pay for the marriage license and officiant fee.
Wedding Attire
- Bride and family purchase the bride's dress, veil, and all other attire for the bride.
- Groom and family purchase the groom's outfit.
- The wedding party and all others in attendance should pay for their own clothing and shoes.
Flowers and Decorations
- Bride and family pay for the floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception. Also bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
- Groom and family purchase the bride's bouquet.
- Groom and family pay for boutonnieres for men and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.
Honeymoon
- The groom and family are responsible for all honeymoon costs.
Photography
- Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and videos.
Pre-wedding Parties
- Bride's or groom's family plans and hosts the engagement party.
- The bride's family may also host a gathering if there is more than one.
- Groom's family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.
- Maid of honor and bridesmaids host the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
- Best man and groomsmen host the bachelor party.
Reception
- Bride and family pay for all professional services (food, decorations, etc)
- Groom's family pays for the entertainment and liquor.
Rings
- Bride and/or her family purchase the groom's ring.
- Groom and/or his family purchase both of the bride's rings.
Stationery
- Bride and family pay for the invitations, announcements and wedding programs.
Transportation
- Bride and family pay for wedding transportation of the wedding party to and from the ceremony and reception.
- Attendants are responsible for transportation to and from the wedding location.
In closing, it's also important never to make assumptions this day and age when it comes to the financial cost of your big day. During the bliss of your engagement, don't expect for most of your expectations to be met. Sometimes it's better to plan and budget a wedding on your own first, then see if your families are likely to offer their financial help. You can always upgrade the pieces of your wedding that you and your partner find most important. Happy planning!
