Many people still remember the popular tradition of having the bride's family pay for the wedding. Modern brides and couples, however, often pay for much of the wedding ceremony and reception. With such a shift in roles, it can often be confusing to know who is "supposed" to pay for many of the items in your wedding budget. Another great wedding checklist, this quick breakdown of today's accepted practices will help clear up any confusion.
The family of the bride is typically responsible for:
- All of the reception costs including the reception location, food, decorations, entertainment, etc.
- Bridesmaids bouquets and wedding flowers
- Wedding ceremony music
- Wedding photographer and photographs, wedding videographer and videos
- The bridal gown and accessories
- Transportation and parking expenses (validation) for the wedding ceremony and reception
- Wedding invitations, stationery, etc.
- The groom's wedding gift and wedding ring
The family of the groom is typically responsible for:
- The marriage license
- Officiant's fee, officiant's tip
- The bride's wedding gift and wedding ring
- All groomsmen gifts
- The bridal bouquet and corsage
- Mother, grandmother corsages
- Boutonnieres for the groomsmen and groom's party
- All of the rehearsal dinner costs including location, entertainment, caterer and food, etc.
- The honeymoon
- Ties and gloves for the groomsmen and groom's party
Great checklist! I've been asked a more than a few times to separate the charges for flowers between the bride and groom. I've bookmarked this to share with our clients.
I agree – a great checklist. While, in my opinion, the traditional expenses breakups are changing with couples paying their own way more often, it's handy to have a starting point or something to refer back to.