Wedding Costs – Who traditionally pays for a wedding
One question that usually comes up when a couple announces their engagement is, “Who will pay for the wedding?”
Traditionally, the majority of the wedding expenses are paid for by the bride and/or her family. In our more modern times, however, another approach is to divide the costs up between the bride and groom and each set of parents.
Below is a list of the traditional guidelines for wedding expenses. You may choose to adapt this list to your own personal needs and preferences.
BRIDE/BRIDE’S FAMILY:
– Any needed rental items
– Arrange for accommodations for out of town guests* (grooms family can also arrange this, depending on whose hometown the wedding is taking place at)
– Bridesmaids wedding gifts
– Ceremony Costs (Church fee, etc.)
– Ceremony Decorations
– Ceremony/Reception Flowers
– Entertainment (DJ, Band, Harp, etc.)
– Favors
– Flowers (bridesmaids bouquets, all corsages, ceremony)
– Gratuities/Tips for services
– Grooms wedding gift
– Grooms wedding ring
– Guest Book
– Her blood tests/medical checkup
– Invitations, thank you cards, announcements, mailing expenses, etc.
– Lingerie
– Photographer
– Printed items such as napkins, matchbooks, etc.
– Programs
– Reception costs (hall fee, etc.)
– Videographer
– Wedding Breakfast
– Wedding Consultant/Coordinator’s Fee
– Wedding Dress, Veil and accessories
GROOM/GROOM’S FAMILY:
– Accessories for men in wedding party, such as socks, gloves, etc.
– Alcohol at the reception
– Arrange for accommodations for out of town guests* (brides family can also arrange this, depending on whose hometown the wedding is taking place at)
– Bride’s wedding gift
– Bride’s wedding rings
– Flowers (Brides bouquet, all boutonnieres)
– Groomsmens gifts
– His blood tests/medical checkup
– Honeymoon
– Limosine/Carriage costs
– Marriage License
– Officiant Fee
– Rehearsal Dinner expenses
– Wedding Attire
ATTENDANTS/USHERS:
– Any necessary travel expenses
– Shower gift
– Wedding attire and accessories
– Wedding gift for the newlyweds
