Splitting Hairs: Who Pays For Wedding Expenses
January 5th, 2006 Posted in Wedding Planning and Ideas
By no means is this article suggesting you stick firmly to the list below when outlining who is responsible for paying for specific parts of a wedding. Hard and fast financial plans are archaic and most simply do not fit with the income structures of many modern families. Often the couple takes on a large portion of the expenses themselves, and there may be less of a "bride’s parents" vs. "groom’s parents" mentality. Cost sharing is about give and take, compromise, and working to find a strategy that best suits the couple.
That’s not to say that having some sort of delineated plan in mind going into the planning stages isn’t helpful. Here is a brief itemized list from FrugalBride.com that may help clarify traditional responsibilities.
Bride’s Family
- All Reception Costs
- Church Fees
- Groom’s Rings
- Invitations
- Flowers for Church, Bridesmaids and Reception
- Music for Ceremony
- Transportation for Bridal Party
- Gifts for Bridal Party
- Groom’s Gift
- Lodging for Bridesmaids, if necessary
Bridal Party
- Your Attire
- The Shower
- If you’re from out-of-town, Transportation to the Town the wedding is in
- Gift for the Couple
Groom’s Family
- Bride’s Ring
- Clergy Fees
- Bride’s Bouquet, Corsages and Boutonnieres
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Transportation for Groomsmen
- Gifts for Groomsmen
- Bride’s Gift
- Lodging for Groomsmen, if necessary
Groomsmen
- Your Attire
- The Stag
- If you’re from out-of-town, Transportation to the Town the wedding is in
- Gift for the Couple
Again, these are guidelines only, and should be used to help work out a setup that works for you. Reducing budgeting squabbles and going in with a clear head will make planning your wedding less of a headache, and more of a joy. FrugalBride.com has an expanded piece of wedding do’s and don’ts available at their site.