Who pays for what?!
- In your prep and planning, talk to your partner first, decide on major items that determine cost (venue, # of guests, etc.) and figure out how much each of you can contribute BEFORE you approach your parents. Make a basic plan and what you would like to be involved.
- Sit down with parents and discuss the budget, don’t surprise them with it, give them time to talk it out before they meet with you.
- Always be aware of parent’s expectations before you accept their contributions, how involved will they be and do they have any requirements for your wedding.
Here is a basic guide to who traditionally pays for what aspect:
Bride/Bride’s Family
- Bride pays for Groom’s ring
- Wedding Venue
- Wedding Gown/Accessories
- Floral—Ceremony & Reception Décor & Bridal party flowers [see exceptions in Groom’s area]
- Reception (food/décor/professional services)
- Stationary
- Transportation
- Photography/Videography
Groom/Groom’s Family
- Groom pays for Bride’s ring(s)
- Groom’s attire
- Bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres for groomsmen, corsages for mothers & grandmothers
- Marriage License & Officiants Fee
- Rehearsal Dinner (Planned & paid for by Groom’s family)
- DJ/Band/Bar
- Honeymoon (In the past, entire costs were paid for by Groom’s family, now typically the honeymoon is paid for by the bride & groom)
All other attire (whether purchased or rented) is usually paid for individually by those involved, some brides/grooms pay as a gift for their bridal party.
All bachelor/bachelorette parties are paid for by those holding them, traditionally the bridal party and the groomsmen share the burden of their respective parties. Showers are paid for by those holding them as well.