Wedding Budgeting- Who Pays for What?

Credit: promobiledj.com

Determining a budget for your wedding is crucial! Without a budget, loose ends will run wild and you will begin accumulating expenses where you found least likely. When you sit down with your fiance to discuss money, have an open mind to the reality of how much a wedding cost and who you are asking to assist you in creating the wedding of your dreams.
As a planner, I have noticed that every family structure is unique and typically customizes their “Who Pays for What”. As a starting point, here is a list of the traditional costs those involved with your wedding.

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.

Pre-wedding 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.