Determining Who is Paying for What!

If you have found this post it is probably because you are stuck in the awkward situation where your wedding is only a few months away and it is time to talk money with the family. Do not stress, here is a list of what family member(s) usually pay for – traditional and relevant!

Traditionally, the brides parents pay for anything wedding related. This custom is now getting divided between the brides parents, the grooms parents, and the couple.

The brides parents are usually held accountable for the following expenses:

~ Engagement Party

~ Wedding Planner

~ Invitations and day-of stationery

~ Photography and Videography

~ Venue

~ Bride’s attire (and details)

~ Ceremony and reception floral arrangements, rentals, and decor

~ Food and drinks

~ Wedding cake

~ Guest transportation

~ Travel and lodging costs for bridesmaids and officiant

~ Any other reception expenses

The groom’s family typically pays for:

~ Marriage License and Officiant fee

~ Corsages and Boutonnières for family members on both sides

~ Lodging for groomsmen

~ Rehearsal dinner costs

~ Reception Alcohol (optional)

~ DJ or Band (optional)

The bride usually pays for:

~ Wedding flowers and gifts for the bridesmaids

~ All hair and makeup costs

~ Grooms wedding band

~ Grooms wedding gift

And last but not least, here are the items a groom typically pays for:

~ Engagement & Wedding Rings

~ Marriage License and Officiant fee (if parents have not covered)

~ Brides bouquet

~ Groomsmen boutonnières and gifts

~ Brides wedding gift

~ Honeymoon

Another thing to think about is tipping your vendors, typically this expense is given to the bride and groom to handle on the day of, but if you hired a planner, you can always give them the envelopes with the vendor names on them to hand out throughout the day!