Wedding Costs - Who Pays for What?

Traditionally, the bride and her family carry the financial burden of paying for most of the wedding. Nothing is quite the same anymore and many couples who marry later on often pay for the wedding and reception themselves.

Other times, costs can be divided amongst the bride's and groom's family so one family isn't responsible for the majority of expenses. Sometimes, instead of splitting the bills, they divide the tasks and costs. For example, the bride's family pays for the photographer, food, etc. and the groom's family pays for the flowers, invitations, etc. Here's a list of how the costs are traditionally divided:

Bride's Family Responsibilities

• Bridal consultant/wedding planner

• Wedding dress, headpiece, accessories

• Wedding announcements and invitations

• Ceremony music, decorations, flowers

• Groom's ring

• Groom's gift

• Most flowers

• Photographer and Videographer

• Transportation

• Reception site rental, decorations, party favors, food, drinks, entertainment

Groom's Family Responsibilities

• Bride's engagement and wedding rings

• Marriage license

• Groom's attire

• Officiant/clergy fees

• Bridal bouquet

• Boutonnières for ushers, mother's corsages

• Rehearsal dinner

• Bride's Gift

• Honeymoon

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