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Who Pays For What?
Unlike "the olden days", who pays for what in the
wedding process has changed considerably. The burden
of paying for the wedding has shifted more recently
from the Brides side (and more truthfully the father
of the bride), to include the groom's family. Today,
with many couples marrying later and having money of
their own, they are sharing in the expenses. There
are no longer any hard and fast rules as to "Who
Pays for What". However, because we are asked almost
daily what the guidelines are, we present the
following as a general outline to the traditional
division of monetary responsibility...
PRE-WEDDING PARTIES:
- Engagement Party: Bride OR groom's
family plans and hosts.
- Rehearsal Dinner: Groom's family plans
and hosts.
- Bridesmaid Luncheon: Bride plans and
hosts.
- Bachelor's Dinner: Groom plans and
hosts .
- Bridal Shower: Maid of honor and
bridesmaids host.
- Bachelor Party: Best man and ushers
host party.
BRIDE/BRIDE'S FAMILY:
- Any needed rental items
- Arrange for accommodations for out of
town guests (grooms family can also
arrange this, depending on whose
hometown the wedding will take place)
- Bridesmaids wedding gifts
- Ceremony Costs (Church fee, etc.)
- Ceremony Decorations
- Ceremony/Reception Flowers
- Entertainment (DJ, Band, soloists,
etc.)
- Favors
- Flowers (bridesmaids bouquets, all
corsages, ceremony)
- Gratuities/Tips for services
- Grooms wedding gift
- Grooms wedding ring
- Guest Book
- Her blood tests/medical checkup
- Invitations, thank you cards,
announcements, mailing expenses, etc.
- Lingerie
- Photographer
- Printed items such as napkins,
matchbooks, etc.
- Programs
- Reception costs (hall fee, caterer,
etc.)
- Videographer
- Wedding Breakfast
- Wedding Consultant/Coordinator's Fee
- Wedding Dress, Veil and accessories
GROOM/GROOM'S FAMILY:
-Tuxedos for Groom and Groomsmen
- Accessories for men in wedding party,
such as socks, gloves, etc.
- Alcohol at the reception
- Groom's Cake
- Arrange for accommodations for out of
town guests* (brides family can also
arrange this, depending on whose
hometown the wedding will take place)
- Bride's wedding gift
- Bride's wedding rings
- Brides bouquet, all boutonnieres
- Groomsmen's gifts
- His blood tests/medical checkup
- Honeymoon
- Limousine/Carriage costs
- Marriage License
- Officiate Fee
- Rehearsal Dinner expenses
ATTENDANTS/USHERS:
- Any necessary travel expenses
- Shower gift
- Bridal Shower
- Bachelor and bachelorette Parties
- Wedding attire and accessories
- Wedding gift for the newlyweds |
Let this checklist serve as a guide, and if someone
else offers to pay for something, smile and say,
"Thank you. That's wonderful." You have just
received a gift!
We want to stress, the above list is "TRADITIONAL"
and not written in stone. In today's world, sharing
expenses across family lines is not only normal but
in some areas, expected. We are not advocating
anything here as gospel. You must decide what is
best for you, your intended and both families. Not
all of the items listed above are mandatory. There
may be some items you wish to have that are not
there. The rule of thumb for that is, the person
asking for an item should be responsible for paying
for it.
The single most likely cause of stress in wedding
preparations is often money. Most weddings will run
over budget. Decide on how much you can afford and
stick to it!
Article Courtesy of
WeddingHowTo.Com.
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