Who Pays For What?

The answer to who takes on the financial responsibility for the wedding is not as clear as it once was. The bride’s parents are not always expected to pay for the event.

The bride and groom and both sets of parents should set up a meeting to discuss the upcoming plan and how payment should be distributed.

Below is a list of how financial obligations have traditionally been paid.

Bride and her Family
Groom’s ring
Groom’s wedding gift
Wedding gown, veil and accessories
Trousseau
Flowers (ceremony, reception, bouquets, etc.)
Photographs
Video
Reception
Church/Chapel rental fee
Ceremony musicians/soloist
Bridal party transportation to ceremony and reception
Invitations/postage
Lodging for out-of-town attendants
Ceremony and reception rentals
Bride’s attendants’ gifts

Groom and his Family
Bride’s rings
Bride’s wedding gift
Premarital class
Marriage license
Flowers (bride’s bouquet, mothers’ corsages and boutonnieres for men)
Clergy fee
Gloves and ascots/ties for men (if not included in rental fee)
Lodging for out-of-town attendants
Groom’s attendants’ gifts
Honeymoon
Rehearsal dinner (optional)

Download a PDF with this information