Who Generally Pays for What

Who generally pays for what? Brides parents and grooms parents?

Wedding financial responsibilities have changed quite a bit over the past 10-20 years so what I will do is give you the old ettiquette and add a few changes that have occurred over time at the end. It is important to remember that traditionally the majority of the expense was covered by the brides family but with our more modern times another approach has been to divide the costs between the couple, and both sets of parents.

It really comes down to what all parties involved are comfortable with.

Traditional

THE BRIDE PAYS FOR:

Groom's wedding ring
Gift for groom
Gifts for her attendants
Accommodations for her attendants (optional)

BRIDE'S FAMILY PAYS FOR:

Bride's wedding attire and accessories
Reception
Hall rental
Caterer
Food & beverages
Tax/gratuity/service charge
Wedding cake
Decorations
Flowers for the bridal bouquet, attendants bouquets, church and reception hall.
Church fees
Music for the ceremony
Music for the reception party
Photographer
Videographer
Invitations & announcements
Favors
Transportation for the bridal party
Wedding gift

THE GROOM PAYS FOR:

Gift for bride
Bride's wedding ring
Gifts for his attendants
Accommodations for his attendants (optional)
Flowers for bride's bouquet, ushers, mothers and fathers, and grandparents
Marriage license
Clergy Fee
Honeymoon

GROOM'S FAMILY PAYS FOR:

Wedding attire (Groom's tuxedo rental and their own)
Personal travel and hotel expenses ( For groom and themselves)
Rehearsal Dinner
Wedding gift

ATTENDANTS PAY FOR:

Wedding attire and accessories
Personal travel
Bachelor party
Bridal shower
Wedding gift

GUESTS PAY FOR:

Wedding gift
Travel and hotel expenses

Changes over time:

The biggest change you see today, is the groom's family helping with more
of the cost and responsibility such as:

Accessories for the men in the wedding party
Alcohol at the reception
Transportation cost
Officiant fee

Submitted by: Lorrie Alberts, Certified Wedding Consultant