Wedding Etiquette - Who Pays for What

Money MoneyThere are no longer any hard and fast rules as to "Who Pays for What" for the wedding, but a general guideline follows as to the traditional breakdown. Working out a budget for your wedding is one of the first things that should be done once the date is set. Will the ceremony be formal, semiformal or informal? A formal wedding, of course, will be the most expensive and the informal, the least. Nothing is set in concrete. Who pays for what? Unlike a decade ago, the lines are no longer so rigidly drawn. The burden of paying for the wedding has shifted in recent years from the shoulders of the father of the bride, to include the groom's family. Also, with many couples marrying later and having money of their own, they are sharing in the expenses.
Traditional ExpenseObligation
Wedding Gown/Headpiece/AccessoriesWedding Ring for BrideWedding Ring for GroomWedding Gift for GroomWedding Gift for BrideBridesmaid GiftsGroomsmen/Usher GiftsBride's BouquetBridesmaid BouquetsMother's CorsagesGrandmother CorsagesGroom's BoutonniereGroomsmen BoutonnieresUsher's BoutonnieresCeremony/Reception FlowersAlter Baskets/ArchesCanopy/CarpetKneeling Bench/CandelabrasRented Items for WeddingRented Items for ReceptionInvitations/AnnouncementsWedding ProgramsNapkins/Matches/Printed ItemsMarriage LicenseMedical Visit for BrideMedical Visit for GroomChurch FeeClergyman/Officiate FeeMusician/SoloistChurch JanitorReception Hall FeeCatered Reception/Professional ServicesWedding PhotographyVideo PhotographyOrchestra/Band/DJWedding FavorsGroom's CakeRice BagsRehearsal DinnerBridesmaid LuncheonBachelor PartyWedding BreakfastBridal BrunchBridesmaid's GownsMaid of Honor GownMatron of Honor GownBest Man Formal WearUsher's Formal WearGroomsmen's Formal WearGloves/Ties/Ascots for AttendantsFather of Bride Formal WearFather of Groom Formal WearChildren's Formal WearLimousine ServiceHoneymoon ArrangementsTravel Expenses to the WeddingAccommodations for out-of town GuestsGifts for the Couple
Bride's FamilyGroomBrideBrideGroomBrideGroomGroomBride's FamilyGroomBride's FamilyGroomGroomGroomBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyGroomBrideGroomBride's FamilyGroomBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBride's FamilyGroom's FamilyBride's FamilyGrooms FamilyBrideBest Man/Groom's AttendantsBride's FamilyBride's FamilyBridesmaid'sMaid of HonorMatron of HonorBest ManUshersGroomsmenGroomBride's FamilyGroom's FamilyChildren's ParentsGroomGroomThe Out-of-town Attendant or Family MemberBrideGuest, Attendants and Family

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on giving the best possible party, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts.