19 Aug 2016
Who Pays for What?
Who Pays for What?
Working out a budget for your wedding is one of the first things that should be done, once the date is set. Will the ceremony be formal, semi formal or informal? A formal wedding, of course, will be the most expensive and the informal, the least. Nothing is set in concrete. Who pays for what? Unlike a decade ago, the lines are no longer rigidly drawn. The burden of paying for the wedding has shifted in recent years from the shoulders of the father of the bride, to include the groom’s family. Also, with many couples marrying later and having money of their own, they are sharing in the expenses.
There are no longer any hard and fast rules as to “Who Pays for What”, but a general guideline follows as to the traditional breakdown.
Traditional Breakdown of Expenses
| Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Ring for Bride | The Groom |
| Wedding Ring for Groom | The Bride |
| Wedding Gift for Groom | The Bride |
| Wedding Gift for Bride | The Groom |
| Bridesmaid Gifts | The Bride |
| Groomsmen/Usher Gifts | The Groom |
| Bride’s Bouquet | The Groom |
| Bridesmaid Bouquets | The Bride’s Family |
| Mother’s Corsages | The Groom |
| Grandmother Corsages | The Bride’s Family |
| Groom’s Boutonniere | The Groom |
| Groomsmen Boutonnieres | The Groom |
| Usher’s Boutonnieres | The Groom |
| Ceremony/Reception Flowers | The Bride’s Family |
| Altar Baskets/Arches | The Bride’s Family |
| Canopy/Carpet | The Bride’s Family |
| Kneeling Bench/Candleabrahs | The Bride’s Family |
| Rented Items for Wedding | The Bride’s Family |
| Rented Items for Reception | The Bride’s Family |
| Invitations/Announcements | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Programs | The Bride’s Family |
| Napkins/Matches/Printed Items | The Bride’s Family |
| Marriage License | The Groom |
| Medical Visit for Bride | The Bride |
| Medical Visit for Groom | The Groom |
| Church Fee | The Bride’s Family |
| Clergyman/Officiant Fee | The Groom |
| Musician/Soloist | The Bride’s Family |
| Church Janitor | The Bride’s Family |
| Reception Hall Fee | The Bride’s Family |
| Catered Reception/Professional Services | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Photography | The Bride’s Family |
| Video Photography | The Bride’s Family |
| Orchestra/Band/DJ | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Cake | The Bride’s Family |
| Wedding Favors | The Bride’s Family |
| Groom’s Cake | The Groom’s Family |
| Rice Bags | The Bride’s Family |
| Rehearsal Dinner | The Grooms Family |
| Bridesmaid Luncheon | The Bride |
| Bachelor Party | Best Man/Groom’s Attendants |
| Wedding Breakfast | The Bride’s Family |
| Bridal Brunch | The Bride’s Family |
| Bridesmaid’s Gowns | Bridesmaid’s |
| Maid of Honor Gown | Maid of Honor |
| Matron of Honor Gown | Matron of Honor |
| Best Man Formal Wear | Best Man |
| Usher’s Formal Wear | Ushers |
| Groomsmen’s Formal Wear | Groomsmen |
| Gloves/Ties/Ascots for Attendants | The Groom |
| Father of Bride Formal Wear | Bride’s Family |
| Father of Groom Formal Wear | Groom’s Family |
| Children’s Formal Wear | The Children’s Parents |
| Limousine Service | The Groom |
| Honeymoon Arrangements | The Groom |
| Travel Expenses to the Wedding | The Out-of-town Attendant or Family Member |
| Accommodations for out-of town Guests | The Bride |
| Gifts for the Couple | Guest, Attendants and Family |
In your list of “Who pays for what?,” you mention the bride should be responsible for “Accommodations for out-of town Guests.”
We are having a destination wedding. If your suggestion is followed, the bride would be responsible for all attendees’ hotel rooms. Could you please provide clarification? Also, what if bridesmaids are married or plan to bring significant others–who would be responsible for those accommodations?
Any information you could provide would be appreciated!
Who all should be included as part of the rehearsal dinner?
Who is responsible for the groomsmen accommodations?