Who Pays for What?

Traditionally, the expenses involved are paid for by the bride, the groom and their families as follows :

The Groom

The bride's engagement and wedding rings
A wedding gift for bride
Gifts for the best man, groomsmen, and ushers
Groom’s wedding attire
Bridal bouquet and going away corsage
Mothers’ corsages
Boutonnieres for the attendants and fathers
Marriage license
Medical examination and blood tests
Fee for the wedding officiant
Honeymoon


The Bride

Wedding ring for the groom
A wedding gift for the groom
Presents for the bridal attendants
Accommodations for her out-of-town attendants
Medical examination and blood tests
Personal Stationary

The Bride’s Family

Engagement Party (optional)
Invitations, announcements and mailing costs
Bride's wedding attire and accessories
Ceremony, including rental of location or church, music, aisle carpets, and any other additional costs for decorations.
Bridesmaids' bouquets
Floral Decorations
Engagement and wedding photographs and video
Bridemaids’ Luncheon
Transportation for bridal party to the wedding ceremony
The reception, including food, beverages, wedding cake, entertainment, music, flowers and decorations, gratuities for the bartenders and waiters
Personal wedding attire
Special items they may wish to purchase such as ring bearer’s pillow, toasting goblets, etc.
Wedding gift for the newlyweds

Wedding attire for themselves
Any travel expenses
Wedding gift for the bride and groom
Showers given by the maid of honor or bridesmaids
Bachelorette party given by the maid of honor or bridesmaids
Bachelor party given by the best man or groomsmen

Bride & Groom

Appreciation gifts for the parents or other who helped with the wedding
Expenses that are not covered by other family members