Who Pays for What in the Wedding Party? A Complete Guide to Wedding Party Expenses

When it comes to planning your wedding, understanding who is responsible for each cost can be a challenge. Knowing what each member of the wedding party typically pays for can help avoid confusion and ensure a smooth celebration. Whether you’re the bride, groom, or part of the bridal party, here’s a breakdown of wedding party expenses to guide you through the process.

Wedding Party Expenses: The Bride’s Responsibilities

As the bride, you’ll have some expenses to cover in order to make sure everything is perfect for your big day. Here’s what you can expect to pay for:

• Hair and Makeup for the Bride: If you require professional hair and makeup services, you will be responsible for the full cost of these services for yourself.

• Destination Bachelorette Party Travel: If you plan a destination bachelorette party, you will need to pay for your share of the travel expenses.

• Wedding Day Gifts for the Bridal Party: As the bride, you typically cover the cost of gifts for your bridesmaids, maid of honor, and other bridal party members (e.g., jewelry, robes).

• Wedding Day Meals: You will cover breakfast, lunch, snacks, and any other meals for your bridal party as they get ready for the wedding.

Maid of Honor: What Does She Pay For?

The maid of honor plays a special role, but she also has a few expenses to cover. Here’s a breakdown of her responsibilities:

• Maid of Honor Dress, Shoes, and Jewelry: Unless gifted by the bride, the maid of honor will pay for her own dress, shoes, and jewelry.

• Hair and Makeup: If the bride isn’t requiring professional hair and makeup for all members of the bridal party, the maid of honor will be responsible for her own costs.

• Bachelorette Party and Bridal Shower: The maid of honor typically contributes to the cost of bachelorette party decorations, gifts, and sometimes the bridal shower costs. If the bridal party agrees, she may also contribute to the bride’s portion of the bachelorette party expenses.

Bridesmaids: Understanding Their Wedding Party Costs

Bridesmaids share many responsibilities with the maid of honor but are also expected to cover some additional costs:

• Bridesmaid Dress, Shoes, and Jewelry: Bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses, shoes, and jewelry unless the bride provides them as gifts.

• Hair and Makeup: Like the maid of honor, bridesmaids pay for their hair and makeup if they wish to have it done professionally, unless the bride requests it.

• Bachelorette Party: Bridesmaids typically split the cost of the bride’s portion of the bachelorette party, as long as everyone agrees.

• Bridal Shower Gift: Bridesmaids are expected to bring a gift for the bridal shower.

Groom: What Wedding Costs Does He Cover?

The groom also has his own share of wedding party expenses. Here's what to expect for the groom’s financial responsibilities:

• Destination Bachelor Party Travel: If the groom is attending a destination bachelor party, he will be responsible for paying his portion of the travel expenses.

• Gifts for Groomsmen: The groom typically buys gifts for his best man and groomsmen (e.g., cufflinks, ties, or flasks).

• Groomsmen Meals: Similar to the bride’s role, the groom pays for breakfast, lunch, and drinks for the groomsmen as they prepare for the wedding day.

Best Man: His Wedding Responsibilities

The best man plays a crucial role in supporting the groom and has specific expenses to cover:

• Best Man Suit and Accessories: The best man pays for his own suit, shoes, and accessories.

• Bachelor Party Travel: He will cover his own portion of travel costs for the bachelor party.

• Bachelor Party Planning Costs: The best man typically shares in the cost of organizing and hosting the bachelor party.

• Wedding Gift: Traditionally, the best man gives a gift to the couple as a part of the wedding celebration.

Groomsmen: Their Wedding Party Costs

The groomsmen share similar responsibilities with the best man when it comes to the wedding party's financial obligations:

• Suit/Tuxedo and Accessories: Groomsmen pay for their own suits or tuxedos, shoes, and accessories.

• Bachelor Party Travel: Each groomsman is responsible for their portion of the bachelor party travel costs.

• Bachelor Party Costs: Groomsmen contribute to the overall cost of the bachelor party, including activities, decor, and any gifts for the groom.

• Wedding Gift: Groomsmen are expected to bring a gift for the couple, or contribute to a group gift.

By understanding the financial responsibilities of each wedding party member, you can plan your wedding budget with confidence and ensure that everyone knows what to expect. Whether you're the bride, groom, or part of the bridal party, being clear about who pays for what will help everyone enjoy the journey leading up to the big day!