Wedding Budget: Who Pays for What

It's important to remember that the following list of traditional wedding expenses is just a guideline for you to adapt as you see fit. Every couple is unique, and how you decide to share expenses should reflect your personal preferences, traditions, and family dynamics. Whether you choose to follow tradition or create your own path, the key is to find a financial arrangement that feels comfortable for everyone involved. Open communication among all parties is the best way to ensure a smooth planning process and a wedding day that everyone will enjoy.

Traditional expenses of the bride and her family:

• Venues

• Bride’s wedding gown and accessories

• Invitations and other stationery

• Wedding planner

• Flowers

• Catering and Bartending

• Photographer

• Videographer

• Transportation of the bridal party 

• Musicians

• Wedding favors

• Wedding cake 

• Groom’s wedding band

• Bride’s gift to the groom

• Bride’s gift to her attendants

• Gift for parents 

Traditional expenses of the groom and his family:

• Bride’s engagement and wedding ring

• Groom’s attire

• All costs of rehearsal dinner 

• Officiants fee or donation

• Lodging and travel expenses for officiant if from another town

• Marriage license

• Bride’s bouquet

• Groomsmen and ushers boutonnieres

• Mother’s and grandmother’s flowers

• Groom’s cake

• Getaway transportation 

• Wedding night accommodations

• Groom’s gift to the bride

• Groom’s gift to his attendants

• Expenses of honeymoon

Understanding 'who pays for what' in wedding budgeting helps couples adapt expenses to their unique style while ensuring smooth planning.

See full details on Wedding Budgeting here.

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