| In today’s
society which is formed by many different
cultures, religions, and preferences, it’s
important to note there really isn’t a specific
protocol designating which party is responsible
for paying for particular wedding expenses. With
wedding costs skyrocketing and many couples
waiting until their careers are established
before getting married, there are several
options that can be considered.
Sometimes the couple will pay for all of the
expenses themselves or ask the families to chip
in for the ceremony flowers or bridal attire.
Perhaps one of the easiest options may be to
divide the total expenses into thirds: one-third
for each set of parents and one-third for the
couple. The following is a summary of
anticipated wedding expenses for budgeting
purposes indicating who traditionally pays for
what, while keeping in mind nothing is set in
stone:
(BF - Bride’s Family, B - Bride, G – Groom,
GF – Groom’s Family)
Pre-Wedding:
First engagement party (BF)
Second engagement party (GF)
Rehearsal Dinner (GF)
Bridesmaids’ Luncheon (B)
Ceremony:
Marriage License (G)
Location Fee (BF)
Officiant’s Fee (G)
Ceremony Accessories (BF)
Reception:
Reception venue and rentals (BF)
Food and Service (BF)
Beverages (BF)
Cake (BF)
Attire for Bride and Groom:
Bride’s Dress and Alterations (BF)
Headpiece and Veil (BF)
Bridal Accessories (BF)
Hair, Nails, and Makeup (B)
Groom’s Tux (G)
Groom’s Accessories (G)
Flowers/Decorations:
Bride’s Bouquet (G)
Bridesmaids’ Bouquets (BF)
Mothers’ Flowers (G)
Groom/Groomsmen’s Boutonnieres (G)
Flower Girl’s Flowers (BF)
Additional Boutonnieres or Corsages (BF)
Reception Decorations (BF)
Ceremony Decorations (BF)
Favors (BF)
Music:
Ceremony Musicians (BF)
Reception Band/DJ (BF)
Photo/Video:
Photographer’s Fee (BF)
Videographer’s Fee (BF)
Additional Prints and Videos (BF)
Stationery:
Personal Stationery (B)
Invitations (BF)
Response Cards (BF)
Thank You Notes (BF)
Save the Date Cards (BF)
Announcements (BF)
Rings:
Her Ring (G)
His Ring (B)
Transportation/Lodging:
Limousines and Car Rental (BF)
Guest Shuttle/Car Parking (BF)
Honeymoon (G)
Gifts:
Gifts for Bridal Attendants (B)
Gifts for Groom’s Attendants (G)
Gifts for Parents (B,G)
Wedding gift for Newlyweds (BF, GF)
Wedding gift for Bride (G)
Wedding gift for Groom (B)
Wedding Attendants:
Wedding attendants are generally expected to
pay for their own attire, travel, and lodging,
as well as for the bachelorette/bachelor
parties. However, if someone needs financial
assistance and it’s important to have them to
participate in the wedding, then the bridal
couple usually helps to defray those costs,
which would also need to be included in your
budget.
|
