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Who Pays for What?

Wedding planning is a tough business, but by far one of the toughest parts is not only figuring out your budget, but who is responsible for what expenses.  Here is how the expenses have been allocated traditionally.

The Bride's Family

  • The Reception
    • Room/Hall Rental
    • Food & Beverages for Dinner
  •  Flowers
    • Bridesmaid Flowers
    • Reception Flowers
    • Ceremony Flowers
  • Wedding Rentals and Decorations for
    • Reception
    • Ceremony
  • Music
    • Ceremony Music
    • Reception Music
    • Dance
  • Groom's Wedding Gift
  • Groom's Wedding Band
  • Bridesmaid Gifts
  • Photographer
  • Videographer
  • Invitations and all related Stationery
  • Brides Gown
  • All Brides Accessories and Trousseau
  • Party and Guest Favors
  • Transportation and and parking expenses

The Groom's Family

  • Bride's Rings
  • Bride's Wedding Gift
  • Marriage License
  • Groomsmen Gifts
  • Bride's Bouquet and Corsage
  • Corsages for Mothers and Grandmothers
  • Boutonnieres for the Groomsmen
  • Ceremony Fees
    • Clergy Fees
    • Rental fees
  • Rehearsal Dinner
    • Food
    • Rental Fees
    • Grooms Cake
  • Wedding Cake & Punch
  • Champagne Toast
  • The Honeymoon

Although these are how wedding expenses have been divided in the past, you should sit down with both families to determine who is comfortable paying for what.  But in the end, the most important thing is making sure that you stick to the budgets that you decided upon.