Who Pays for What?

Many brides are asking the exact same question… when it comes to the wedding expenses – who pays for what?

There are “traditions” or “rules” that you can follow, but also take into account the financial situation of you, your fiancé, and both of your families. Feel free to set your own path and standard! One thing you must keep in mind, be open and realistic about what you are wanting, how much things cost, and what the budget is.

I highly recommend checking out my wedding budget calculator here. So as not to forget any costly details & to have a good idea of how much you need to spend and where!

THE TRADITIONS.

Now or the nitty gritty. Remember, these are guidelines on what the bride & her family pay for vs. the groom & his family. Be flexible and open to new ideas and suggestions! For example, if you aren’t having alcohol at your reception, the groom & his family can offset that by helping pay for reception floral.

THE CEREMONY.

• Bride – Venue, Furniture Rental & Music.
• Groom – Marriage License & Officiant.

THE WEDDING ATTIRE.

• Bride – Bride’s dress, veil, jewelry, garter, bridal makeup/hair, & any other accessories. Gift for each of her bridesmaids like jewelry, etc.
• Groom – Groom’s suit/tux & any other accessories. Tie/Bow tie for each of his groomsmen.
• Bridal Party – Each pays for their own clothing.

THE FLORAL & DECOR.

• Bride – Ceremony & Reception floral. Bouquets & Corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
• Groom – Bride’s bouquet. Boutonnieres for Groomsmen. Corsages for mothers & grandmothers.

THE HONEYMOON.

• Bride – Bride’s clothing such as lingerie.
• Groom – The entire honeymoon.

THE PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY.

• Bride – All photography and videography.

THE PRE-WEDDING PARTIES.

• Bride – Hosts the engagement party.
• Groom – Hosts the rehearsal dinner.
• Bridesmaids – Host the bridal shower & bachelorette party.
• Groomsmen – Host the bachelor party.

THE RECEPTION.

• Bride – Food & Decor.
• Groom – DJ, Band, & any alcohol.

THE RINGS.

• Bride – Groom’s Ring.
• Groom – Bride’s engagement ring & wedding band.

THE STATIONARY.

• Bride – All invitations, newspaper announcements, and programs.

THE TRANSPORTATION.

• Bride – All wedding transportation for the bride, groom, & wedding party to and from the ceremony and reception.

OTHER BUDGET SCENARIOS:

The traditional list doesn’t work for everyone, so here are a few other scenarios to consider!

1. The Bride & Groom footing most (if not all) of the bill. Couples who are older & more established, or who have parents that just can’t afford to help out financially, may choose to go this route. Benefit – you get to call all of the shots because it si YOUR money!
2. The three-way split. After all expenses are figured and written down, just split the bill three ways between the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, and the new couple! If you are having a hard time making things “fair” and everyone happy, this is a great way to go.

If you are having any trouble with making all of the ends meet, read me “Budget Saving Hacks” blog – here. The best tricks on making your wedding look and feel expensive without that large ticket price.

Wedding Expenses – Who Pays for What?

I hope that answered your questions and gave you some now ideas to think about! Happy Budgeting 💛