Traditional Wedding Planning - Who Pays for What

Traditionally, there are certain expenses that each family or member of the wedding party are responsible for. However, use this as a guideline. If you're a bit non-traditional feel free to change as you feel is necessary.

Bride's Family

• All of the reception costs (i.e., room rental, food, and beverages).
• Bridesmaids' bouquets and flowers.
• Decorative accessories for the ceremony and reception.
• Music for the ceremony and reception.
• Groom's wedding gift and wedding band.
• Bridesmaids' gifts and their hotel accommodations.
• Photographer and photographs.
• Wedding stationery - invitations, announcements & wedding programs.
• Bride's wedding gown, accessories and trousseau.
• All transportation and parking expenses for the ceremony and reception.
• Groom’s ring
• Pre-wedding celebrations - Bridesmaid luncheon (Either family or the couple can host & cover the expense for the engagement party.)
• Wedding Ceremony -Venue,  music & all décor.
• Wedding attire - Brides dress, veil, & accessories.
• Bridesmaid’s attire - Bridesmaid expenses are typically the brides side responsibility .
• Reception -  all professional services including food, drink, decorations & music.
• Transportation - Wedding transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.
• Flowers - Flower arrangements at the church, reception, bouquets & corsages for bridesmaids & flower girls

Groom's Family

• Bride's rings and wedding gift.
• Marriage license.
• Grooms-men's gifts.
• Ties and gloves for the groom's party.
• Bride's bouquet and corsage.
• Corsages for mothers and grandmothers.
• Boutonnieres for the groom's party.
• Ceremony license & officiant fee.
• Rehearsal dinner.
• Honeymoon.
• Pre-wedding celebrations~ Bachelor’s dinner, rehearsal dinner (Either family or the couple can host & cover the expense for the engagement party.)
• Groom’s men attire ~tux expenses are typically the grooms side responsibility (some families feel it is okay for attendants to pay for their own attire.)

Bridesmaids & Maid of Honor

• Purchase of bridesmaids' dresses and all accessories
• Wedding gift for couple
• Hotel accommodations and travel expenses if necessary
• Shower and/or luncheon for the bride

Best Man & Ushers

• Rental of wedding attire
• Transportation to and from location of the wedding
• Gift for the couple
• Bachelor party/dinner for the groom
• Hotel accommodations when necessary

Ring Bearer & Flower Girl

• Children's' parents are responsible for the cost of all wedding attire
• Parents are responsible for any travel expenses (including hotels if necessary)