Who Pays for What?
by Stacey Little

The average cost of a wedding in the United States hovers around $22,000, but often we see nuptials ranging well over that.  While certainly one can have a great wedding for $10,000, things are getting more and more expensive. 

 One question I get frequently is, “Who pays for what?”  Well, it’s not an easy question to answer.  Traditionally, the bride’s family bears most of the financial burden, but today we’re seeing more and more varying ways of financing the event.  In some cases the bride’s and groom’s family split the costs and in others the couple themselves pay for the majority of the wedding.

 Below is a list of what each family is traditionally responsible for financing.   

 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 is taking place at)
- Bridesmaids wedding gifts
- Ceremony Costs (Church fee, etc.)
- Ceremony Decorations
- Ceremony/Reception Flowers
- Entertainment (DJ, Band, Harp, etc.)
- Favors
- Flowers (bridesmaids bouquets, all corsages, ceremony)
- Gratuities/Tips for services
- Groom’s wedding gift
- Groom’s wedding ring
- Guestbook
- Invitations, thank you cards, announcements, mailing expenses, etc.
- Lingerie
- Photographer
- Printed items such as napkins, matchbooks, etc.
- Programs
- Reception costs (hall fee, etc.)
- Videographer
- Wedding Breakfast
- Wedding Consultant/Coordinator's Fee
- Wedding Dress, Veil and accessories

GROOM/GROOM'S FAMILY:
- Accessories for men in wedding party, such as socks, gloves, etc.
- Alcohol at the reception
- Arrange for accommodations for out of town guests* (brides family can also arrange this, depending on whose hometown the wedding is taking place in)
- Bride's wedding gift
- Bride's wedding rings
- Flowers (Brides bouquet, all boutonnieres)
- Groomsmen’s gifts
- Honeymoon
- Limousine/Carriage costs
- Marriage License
- Officiant Fee
- Rehearsal Dinner expenses
- Wedding Attire

ATTENDANTS/USHERS:
- Any necessary travel expenses
- Shower gift
- Wedding attire and accessories
- Wedding gift for the newlyweds

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For more information, please visit this authors web site.