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Who Pays For What

Everything Old Is New Again

Magazines and websites are bursting with the latest trends in wedding ideas and themes - and just trying to sift through them can be as overwhelming as actually planning an entire wedding!

So take a deep breath, relax and consider this: Read More...

Everything Old Is New Again

Who Pays For What?

Traditionally in the past the bride's family has paid for the entire wedding and reception, with this practice still being followed today. On the other hand, it is also not unusual, for the groom's family to sometimes offer to help share some of the expenses, if they wish, such as the cost of liquor or music. Brides and grooms are also contributing as they are marrying later in life and have careers and incomes of their own.

Following is guide to the traditional breakdown of expenses: The Bride and Her Family:
  • All reception costs (site, food, liquor, cake, music, gratuities)
  • The wedding invitations, postage and related stationery expenses
  • The brides attire and trousseau
  • Photography and videography
  • Ceremony and reception flowers
  • Rental fee for the ceremony site
  • Fees for ceremony musicians
  • Transportation of the bridal party on the wedding day
  • Small gifts for her bridesmaids
The Groom and His Family:
  • The bride's engagement and wedding ring
  • his wedding attire
  • The brides bouquet, corsages for the mothers, and the boutonnieres
  • the marriage license
  • The ceremony officiants fee
  • gifts for the best man and ushers
  • A rehearsal dinner
  • Honeymoon expenses
Bridesmaid's expenses include:
  • Purchase of bridesmaid's dresses
  • shoes and all accessories
  • transportation to and from the location of the wedding
  • A bridal shower
Groomsmen's expenses include:
  • Tuxedo rental or purchase
  • transportation to and from the location of the wedding
  • A bachelor party