When it comes to the “who pays for what” part of the wedding planning, we know it can be a touchy subject. So before you start pointing fingers or shrugging your shoulders, we’ve compiled a list of who traditionally is responsible for each duty.
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 (parent’s 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.
We realize there are many alternatives to this list. In some cases, the groom’s family may balance the reception costs by purchasing the alcohol or by paying for all the floral expenses. Some couples may pay for the wedding entirety on their own, while the parents of other brides and grooms may split the costs evenly.
To avoid any confusion and stress right off the bat, we suggest you and your groom sit down with both sets of parents (and/or anyone else who is contributing) and ask what (or if) they are willing to put towards your occasion. From there, you should have an idea of your budget.
When you have your budget set, you can divide up the costs and start planning (if you don’t already have every detail picked out via Pinterest)!
P.S. If there’s anything else that you’re wondering who should pay for, we’re on Facebook all hours of the day!
