Who Pays for What in a Wedding

 

Deciding who pays for what is sometimes a really hard decision when planning a wedding. It is becoming more and more common for the Bride and Groom to completely fund the wedding themselves. However, when making this decision, it may be easier to start with the traditional list of who pays for what and then narrow done your decision. Just remember that ultimately it is up to you and your family. Think of it as a starting point, because how you get to your bottom line is up to you!

Ceremony

• Bride and family pay for church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.

• Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant’s fee.

Clothes

• Bride and family pay for bride’s dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes).

• Groom and family pay for groom’s outfit.

• All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Flowers

• Bride and family pay for arrangements for church (including huppah if a Jewish ceremony) and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.

• Groom and family pay for bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Honeymoon

• Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.

Photography

• Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.

Prewedding Parties

• Bride or groom’s family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride’s family hosts the first one.

• Groom’s family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.

• Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids’ luncheon.

• Groom hosts and plans bachelors’ dinner.

• Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.

• Best man and ushers host bachelor party.

• Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.

Reception

• Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

Rings

• Bride and/or her family pay for groom’s ring.

• Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride’s rings.

Stationery

• Bride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

Transportation

• Bride and family pay for transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.Pic