Wedding Expenses
Who Pays For What?
The bride's family is entirely responsible for the wedding ceremony and usually the cost of the reception as well. In some cases, however, the groom or his family may offer to share wedding costs (paying for all the liquor or music at the reception, perhaps). Otherwise, wedding costs are traditionally divided like this:
The bride (or her family) usually pays these wedding expenses: Invitations, announcements, enclosures. Wedding dress, veil, accessories. Trousseau of clothes and lingerie. Bouquets or corsages for honor attendant, bridesmaids, and flower girl. Flowers for the church and reception. Engagement and wedding photographs. Rental fee (if any) for the church. Fees for the sexton, organist, soloist. Rental of aisle carpet, marquee, other equipment. Transportation of bridal party to Ceremony and reception sites. Reception, including food, drinks, music, decorations, professional services (unless the groom's family pays a part). Groom's ring (for a double ring Ceremony). Wedding gift for the groom. Gifts for bride's attendants. Lodging (if necessary) for any bridesmaids from out-of-town. Bride's engraved personal stationery.
The groom (or his family) usually pays these wedding expenses: Bride's engagement and wedding rings. Marriage license. Clergyman's or judge's fee (it can range from $50-$500; ask). Bride's flowers, including going-away corsage and bouquet (see below). Boutonnieres for men in wedding party. Corsages for mothers (see below). Gloves, ties, ascots for male attendants. Wedding gift for the bride. Complete wedding trip. Gifts for the best man and ushers. Lodging (if any) for out-of-town ushers. Rehearsal dinner (optional).
Expenses which are optional or are set by local custom: Bride's bouquet, traditionally a gift from the groom, may be purchased by bride's family as part of the outfit. Corsages for mothers, grandmothers are provided by the groom, but bride may buy those for her mother, grandmother. Bachelor dinner is given by the groom in some areas, by his attendants or his male friends in other places. Rehearsal dinner is given by groom's family in many areas, buy may be given by the bride's family or friends. Attendants' dresses are usually bought by each person, or bride may buy them. Bridesmaids' luncheon is usually given by the bride, but may be given by her attendants or her family.
Other expenses: Guests provide their own food, lodging and travel expenses.
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