Wedding Budgets: Who Pays for What Traditionally?
Congratulations you’re getting married! Planning a wedding is no cheap endeavor, so it’s important to delegate the costs. We’ve put together a list of who pays for what traditionally at weddings. Of course, these are just traditional guidelines and by no means need to be strictly followed, but we hope it helps you delegate these responsibilities.
Bride’s Family
When thinking about wedding budgets there’s often the expectation that the bride’s family pays for everything, and you’re not wrong!! The bride’s family is typically left to fund the majority of the wedding. As families progress and evolve this tradition may change and for many it already has. But for traditions sake, here are just a few things that the bride’s family pays for:
photography (engagements, bridals, wedding)
wedding invites
bride’s wedding dress
bride’s accessories & make-up
floral arrangements (bouquets, corsages, decor)
wedding/reception venue
wedding/reception decorations
vendors (catering, DJ)
wedding cake
transportation for the wedding party
Groom’s Family
Traditionally the groom’s family has it really relaxed when it comes to the wedding budget. Most assume the honeymoon is the only thing the groom’s family is in charge of but there are actually a few other responsibilities that they traditionally pay for. Like the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding and the groom’s wedding suit, and of course the honeymoon.
Wedding Party
Your best gals and pals are here to support you in whatever you’d have them do and wear for your wedding. Traditionally the bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for their own wedding outfits unless a certain party steps in and pays for them. The best man and groomsmen pay for the bachelor party while the maid of honor and bridesmaids pay for the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
Bride + Groom
Yes, the happy couple spends some of their own money for their big day. The bride pays for bridesmaid’s gifts as a thank you and buys the groom a wedding ring. The groom pays for groomsmen gifts as a thank you and an engagement ring and wedding band for his bride. The bride and groom pay for thank you notes for their wedding guests.
However you work it out, make sure your wedding party is comfortable with its contribution. Everyone is eager to help the bride and groom get the wedding day of their dreams; it just takes a little communication and research to make it happen. We hope these tips help you on your way!