Lately I’ve heard a lot of discussion on “who pays for what” in a wedding, from my friends and family to DJs on the radio. Since I touched on this subject while I was an intern, I wanted to reference it again for the brides and grooms that may not know what they’re responsible for!
Bride & Family
- Church or venue, organist, etc.
- Bride’s dress, veil, accessories, etc.
- Bridesmaid’s gifts (bride)
- Flower arrangements for church and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls
- All wedding photos and video
- Plans and hosts bridesmaids’ luncheon (bride)
- All professional services, including food, drink, decorations and music
- Bride and/or her family pay for groom’s ring
- Invitations, announcements, and wedding programs
- Transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception
- Sending (and paying for) the engagement announcements to the local newspapers (parents of the bride)
- Lodging for the officiant, if he/she comes from out of town
- Wedding gift for groom (bride)
- Lodging for bridesmaids (if you have offered to help with this expense)
Groom & Family
- Groom’s attire
- Bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres for men and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
- Complete honeymoon
- Marriage license and officiant’s fee
- Plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner
- Hosts and plans bachelors’ dinner (groom)
- Groomsmen’s gifts (groom)
- Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride’s rings
- Lodging of the groom’s attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense)
- Wedding gift for bride (groom)
Attendants
- Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower/bachelorette party
- Best man and ushers host bachelor party
- All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes) unless otherwise noted
- Ring Bearer/Flower Girl’s parents pay for their child’s attire
Have a great week!
— Jordan
Bride-to-be and Benton native Jordan Westbrook graduated from UALR in 2011 with a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in mass media. The former Arkansas Bride intern will be blogging about her adventures in wedding planning right here each week.