Who Pays for What?
From LoveToKnow Weddings
With the average cost of a wedding well over $20,000, the question of who pays for what is a serious one that couples and their families need to consider when planning the festivities. This checklist is a basic traditional guideline of who pays for what for the couple's wedding ceremony and reception. It is important to remember, however, that many couples adapt their own budgets and may cover all wedding expenses themselves, or families work together to split costs that can work with everyone's budget comfortably.
The Bride
- Medical visit for bride.
- A thank you gift for the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and hostess
- The wedding gown, headpiece & accessories
- The groom's ring
- Flower girl basket, and ring bearer pillow
- Hotel accommodations for any attendants who will be arriving from out of town
The Groom
- Medical visit for groom
- The marriage license
- A thank you gift for the best man, and groomsmen
- The bride's engagement ring
- The bride's wedding ring
- Clothing (Tux Rental) and accessories
- The bride's flowers
- Corsages (mothers/grandmothers and boutonnieres for groomsmen)
- Clergyman/officiant fee
- Limousine service/transportation to and from the wedding and reception
- Hotel accommodations for any groomsmen which will be arriving from out of town
The Bride and Groom
- Unity candle/holder
- Wedding pictures
- Miscellaneous accessories (wedding favors, goblets, napkins/printed items)
- A thank you gift for the flower girl, and ring bearer
- Thank you cards
- Any overnight accommodations
- Honeymoon arrangements
Parents of the Bride
- Wedding invitations
- Dress, suit/tux rental and accessories
- The church or ceremony location
- Pew bows, runner, candleabra rental
- Wedding ceremony flowers
- Music/musician/soloist
- Flowers for bridesmaids
- Wedding photography
- Reception flowers
- Reception hall fee
- Catered reception/professional services
- Basic table decor if not provided by venue
- Wedding cake
- Disc jockey
- Own hotel accommodations
Parents of the Groom
- Dress/suit and accessories
- The rehearsal dinner
- Own hotel accommodations
Bridesmaids
- Dresses and accessories
- Wedding shower
Groomsmen
- Clothing (tux rental) and accessories
- Bachelor party
The Children's Parents
- Dress, suit/tux rental and accessories
- Hotel accommodations if arriving from out of town
Learn More
Comments
Sandy - Traditionally, the only names included on the invitation are those of the bride and groom and whomever is hosting the wedding - that is, whoever is paying. Since many couples now pay a large portion, if not all, of their wedding expenses, however, they often put both sets of parents on the invitation as a courtesy, particularly for a formal wedding. The decision is up to the couple ultimately, but it is important to consider how the groom's parents may feel if they're left off the invitation for their son's wedding. Best wishes!
-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntzshould the grooms parents name be on the invitation, even if they are not contributing financially to the wedding? My daughter and I are in a disagreement about this. I say yes, she says they didnt pay, they dont get their names on the invite.Please help settle this.
-- Contributed by: sandyKaren - The lists above cover the basics of who pays for what, and the alcohol at the wedding reception is generally covered by the bride's parents as part of the reception expenses/menu. Many couples also pay for much of the expenses themselves, and may limit the types of drinks available to help control a bar bill. A cash bar (where guests pay) is another option, but it is considered poor etiquette to require guests to pay for their own drinks at an event which you've invited them to.
-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz
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