Planning Wedding Expenses

Who Pays For What at a Wedding?

Wedding Planning - 4/2/2018

Planning a wedding is not for the faint of heart, but don't forget to have fun along the way, but is it possible to have fun while planning a wedding? Of course! The trick is to give yourself time and to stay within your budget. Another trick is to be informed.

Your wedding will require coordination from many loved ones and it's important that you know the proper wedding etiquette as you navigate the process.

According to Mod Wedding the breakdown of who, traditionally, pays for what is as follows.

BRIDE:

  • Groom's wedding ring
  • Wedding gift for the groom
  • Gifts for the bride's attendants
  • Thank you gift for parents
  • Bridesmaid's luncheon
  • Transportation for bridal party to wedding

BRIDE'S FAMILY:

  • Engagement party
  • Bride's gown
  • Invitations
  • Wedding planner
  • Limo to take bride and family to wedding
  • All reception expenses (though some wedding gurus say the groom's family pays for alcohol and the DJ)
  • Wedding expenses except for officiant's fee
  • Vendors like florists, photographer, venue, cake & food
  • Gift for couple

GROOM:

  • Bride's engagement and wedding rings
  • Wedding gift for bride
  • Gifts for best man and groomsmen
  • Officiant fee
  • Wedding attire
  • Honeymoon trip
  • Boutonnieres for himself, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers
  • Corsages for mothers, and grandmothers
  • Transportation for groomsmen to wedding
  • Limo for leaving reception
  • Wedding night accomodations

GROOM'S FAMILY:

  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Alcohol at the reception (optional)
  • Their own wedding attire
  • Gifts for the couple

WEDDING PARTY:

  • Their own attire
  • Best man and groomsmen host bachelor party
  • Maid of Honor and bride's maids host bridal shower & bachelorette party
  • Gifts for the couple

GUESTS:

  • Their own attire
  • Transportation
  • Accomodation and travel expenses
  • Gifts for the couple

And there you have it! Naturally, this is YOUR wedding, so you, your fiance and your respective families can fund the big day as everyone sees fit, but it's good to know the rules before you break them.