Who's Paying for the Wedding?

The wedding budget is something that must be worked out before the wedding plans begin.  It is probably a good idea for those that are going to be paying for the wedding, including the parents of the bride and groom, to sit down and have an honest discussion about what each one expects and is able to contribute.
 
The budget can be a set amount or it can be broken down item by item.  In either case, the objective is to provide the couple with guidelines so that they know just how much to expect in the way of help in funding their celebration. After the wedding date is set it is time to set a date to discuss the financing of the wedding.  It is the most important thing to do to make certain that everyone is on the right track.

There are some rules of etiquette that will help to make the process go more smoothly.  You may be surprised to learn that the father of the bride is not the sole person responsible for paying for the wedding. In many cases it now includes the groom’s family and the couple themselves!

Making Important Decisions

Decision number one should be about the basic style or theme of the wedding celebration.  Do the bride and the groom want a formal, extravagant wedding?  If so, how extravagant do they want it to be?  Or, do the bride and groom want an informal, casual wedding? How informal and casual do they want it?  Determining some of these things will begin the process of finding out how much money will be needed.

Mom and Dad should not force their own style preferences for the wedding onto their children, especially if they will not be footing the entire bill for it.

Breaking Down the Budget

Etiquette guidelines will be especially helpful when the wedding budget is being broken down by those that are involved in the celebration.  Here are some tips to help you break down who should pay for what parts of the wedding.

The Family of the Bride

The bride’s family definitely has the most to pay for in a wedding. Here is a list of things that they would be expected to pay for:

• The Wedding Dress along with all accessories
• The veil or headpiece
• The bridesmaid’s bouquets
• Grandmother's corsages
• Flowers for the wedding ceremony and reception
• Arches for the altar
• All rented items for the wedding ceremony and the reception
• Invitations, announcements and the production of them
• Napkins, wedding programs and other printed items
• The fees for the church including the musician
• The reception hall fees
• Catering for the reception and any other services required during the reception
• Wedding photography, videos, and the music at the reception
• The wedding cake and the wedding favors
• Brunch or lunch for the wedding party

The Groom's Responsibilities

The groom is expected to pay for his own way throughout the wedding experience. Often his family will contribute as well.

• The Brides Wedding ring
• Wedding gift for his bride
• Gifts for the ushers and groomsmen
• His bride’s bouquet
• Both mothers’ corsages
• Boutonnieres for the groom and the groomsmen
• The marriage license
• The fee for the official doing the wedding
• Limousine services
• Honeymoon arrangements
• All accessories for the groomsmen

The Bride's Responsibilities

These are traditionally seen as the responsibility of the bride:

• Her groom's wedding ring
• Her groom's gift
• Her bridesmaid’s gifts
• A luncheon for her bridesmaids

The Groom's Family

Often the groom's family will be expected to take care of the expenses and arrange for:

• The groom's cake
• The rehearsal dinner

More Important Components

• The best man will throw a bachelor party
• The bridesmaids and maid of honor will pay for their own gowns
• The groomsmen and the father's will pay for their own formal wear
• The parents of any children in the wedding will pay for their children's attire