Who Pays For What?
A question that comes up soon after a couple announces their engagement is, "Who will pay for the wedding expenses?".
The traditional division of wedding expenses between the bride and groom's sides has changed significantly over time, with many of today’s brides and grooms paying for their own wedding expenses.
The list below is a 'traditional' breakdown of the major wedding expenses (still followed by some couples), however these are only guidelines and every couple is different.
So mix and match this list to best suit your personal needs and preferences…
The Bride / Bride’s Side pays for…
- Engagement notice and any other newspaper announcements
- Engagement party
- Wedding consultant / planner's fee
- Wedding invitations & stationary (printing & mailing)
- Wedding dress, veil and accessories
- Lingerie
- Ceremony / reception decorations
- Ceremony / reception flowers
- Programs
- Transportation to the ceremony and reception venues (for mother of the bride, the bride and the bridesmaids)
- Wedding cake
- Wedding flowers (bridesmaids bouquets, all corsages, ceremony, reception)
- Reception costs (venue, catering, beverages, entertainment, rental items)
- Bombonniere
- Wedding photography and videography
- Guest book
- Groom's wedding ring
- Groom’s wedding gift
- Bridal attendant’s gifts
- Beauty treatments
- Wedding breakfast
The Groom / Groom’s Side Pays For…
- Groom’s clothing & accessories
- Groomsmen’s accessories (excluding tuxedos)
- Bride’s bouquet
- Flowers for the mothers and grandmothers
- Boutonniere for the groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers and groom
- Transportation to the ceremony and reception venues (for the groom & the groomsmen)
- Bride's engagement & wedding rings
- Bride’s wedding gift
- Gifts for the groom's attendants
- Rehearsal dinner (optional)
- Marriage license
- Officiate's fee
- Honeymoon
Bridal Attendants / Groomsmen Pay For…
- Wedding attire and accessories
- Bridal shower gift
- Wedding gift for the bride and groom
When making selections for wedding products and services that family and wedding attendants are contributing to, it is important to keep in mind their financial constraints and views regarding wedding expenses.
Keep your expenses under control with the help of our wedding Budget Tool.
