Many times a bride, a mother or a groom will ask me with a look of panic in their eyes, “what am I responsible for in the wedding?” The traditional list that I am showing is just that…traditional.
Now a days, a groom and his family may help with the reception; a bride and her family may help with the rehearsal dinner; and the couple may pay for everything including the honeymoon. It boils down to whoever has the money and what is most important to them, usually pays. With the average age of the couples being older, many times they are taking on that responsibility. Even with traditions changing, the question still begs to be answered, “who pays for what?” It’s important to know what is expected, so I hope this helps in your planning.
Sharing the Cost/Paying for the Wedding
The following are examples of how financial obligations have been traditionally distributed. Some family members may feel that by paying or making a contribution, they have a say-so in the planning. Your family, and your ability to deal with their input, will largely determine how much tradition you keep and how much you ignore.
The Bride is Responsible For:
– Personal stationary
– Wedding ring for groom
– Wedding gift for groom
– Gifts for attendants, hosts and hosteses
– Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional)
– Her physical examination
The Groom is Responsible For:
– Bride’s ring
– Honeymoon
– Wedding gift for bride
– Bridal bouquet and going-away corsage
– Boutonnieres for all men in wedding party
– Mother’s corsages
– His physical examination
– Gifts for the best man, ushers
– Gloves, ties or ascots for men in wedding party
– Marriage license
– Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional)
– Fee for clergy or judge
The Bride’s Family is Responsible For:
– Wedding gift for the newlyweds
– Entire reception
– Rental of sanctuary or chapel
– Bride’s wedding attire and trousseau
– Invitations, announcements and postage
– Engagement and wedding photographs
– Organist, soloist or musician fee
– Aisle carpets and/or canopy, and any additional decorating costs
– Bridesmaids’ bouquets
– Flowers for reception
– Transportation for bridal party to ceremony and reception
– Security and insurance for gifts
The Groom’s Family is Responsible For:
– Traveling expenses and hotel bills
– Wedding clothes
– Rehearsal dinner (optional)
– Wedding gift for the newlyweds
– Shipment of wedding gifts to bridal couple’s home.
Who do you want involved in the planning of your wedding? Decide the financial situations of those you want involved in your event planning and decide what is best–and less stressful–for you. Most importantly, enjoy the planning process!