Who Pays For What?

It is not custom anymore for the brides family to pay for the entire wedding.   For now, it’s more like whoever has it, usually pays, even if it’s the couple themselves.  The average age of couples who are getting married rises – more couples are paying for the wedding out of their own pocketbooks.

Following are examples of how financial obligations have been traditionally distributed.  Remember, though, that by making a financial contribution,  family members may feel entitled to contribute to the planning, too.  Your family, and your ability to deal with their input, will largely determine how much tradition you keep and how much you ignore.

The Bride is Responsible For:

–   Personal stationary

–   Wedding ring for groom

–   Wedding gift for groom

–   Gifts for attendants

–   Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional)

The Groom is Responsible For:

–   Bride’s ring

–   Honeymoon

–   Wedding gift for bride

–   Bridal bouquet and going-away corsage

–   Boutonnieres for all men in wedding party

–   Mother’s corsages

–   Gifts for the best man, ushers

–   Gloves, ties or ascots for men in wedding party

–   Marriage license

–   Lodging for out-of-town attendants (opt.)

–   Fee for clergy or judge.

The Bride’s Family is Responsible For:

–   Wedding gift for the newlyweds

–   Entire reception

–   Rental of sanctuary or chapel

–   Bride’s wedding attire and trousseau

–   Invitations, announcements and postage

–   Engagement and wedding photographs

–   Organist, soloist or musician fee

–   Aisle carpets and/or canopy, and any additional decorating costs

–   Bridesmaid’s bouquet

–   Flowers for reception

–   Transportation for bridal party to ceremony and reception

–   Security and insurance for gifts

The Groom’s Family is Responsible For:

–   Traveling expenses and hotel bills

–   Wedding clothes

–   Rehearsal dinner (optional)

–   Wedding gift for the newlyweds

–   Shipment of wedding gifts to bridal couple’s home.

Take time to evaluate the financial situations of those you want involved in your event planning and decide what is best–and less stressful–for you.