Photo by Studio J
The age old question of “who pays for what?” is often brought up in client meetings. We’ve created a list of some basic things needed for a wedding, and who is responsible for which element. If you’re not following the traditional wedding trend, or if you’re paying for the wedding yourself, you can always change things up. Your list may consist of who is willing to contribute, and how much they are able to spend. No two weddings are alike, and that’s very apparent when we create the budget.
Let’s get started:
Bride:
- Groom’s Wedding Ring
- Groom’s Gift
- Accommodations for Out of Town Guests
- Bridesmaids’ Gifts
Groom:
- Officiant
- Bride’s Wedding Ring
- Groomsmen and Usher Gifts
- Bride’s Bouquet
- Mother’s Corsages, Groom’s Boutonniere, Groomsmen Boutonnieres, Usher’s Boutonnieres
- Bride’s Gift
- Marriage License
- Ties/Ascots, Gloves for Groomsmen
- Limo Service (This can also be paid for by the Bride’s Family) for the exit.
Bride’s Family:
- Wedding Dress and Accessories
- Bridesmaid Bouquets
- Grandmother Corsages/Nosegays
- Ceremony and Reception Flowers
- Wedding Ceremony Items
- Church fee, Janitor Fee
- Reception Catering
- Wedding Planner
- Rentals for Reception
- Stationery (Invitations, Programs, Printed Items)
- Wedding Photography/Videography
- Band/DJ
- Wedding Favors
- Wedding Cake
- Tossed Items for Reception Exit (Rose Petals, Rice, Sparklers)
- Father of the Bride’s Attire
- Transportation of the Wedding Party
Groom’s Family:
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Father of the Groom’s Attire
Other:
- Bridesmaids’ Gowns/Shoes – Bridesmaids
- Maid/Matron of Honor Gown/Shoes – Maid/Matron of Honor
- Groomsmen Attire/Shoes – Groomsmen
- Best Man’s Attire/Shoes – Best Man
- Usher’s Attire – Ushers
- Flower Girl/Ring Bearer Attire – Their Parents
- Travel Expenses for Out of Town Guests – The Out of Town Guests
As you can see, the majority of the wedding expenses fall on the bride’s family. But remember, this is only the traditional breakdown. Many couples are opting to pay for their weddings themselves. The groom’s family is helping to pay more of the expenses, and even family members are chipping in too.
Happy Planning!
Southern Event Planners
Memphis, TN Wedding Planners
