Who Pays for the Wedding
Traditionally, the Bride's Family Pays Most of the Wedding Expenses
But the Rules Have Changed

1. Traditionally, the Bride Pays for These Wedding Expenses
2. Traditionally, the Groom Pays for These Wedding Expenses
3. Traditionally, the Bride's Family Pays for These Wedding Expenses
4. Traditionally, the Groom's Family Pays for These Wedding Expenses
5. Traditionally, the Bridesmaids Pay for These Wedding Expenses
6. Tthe Rules Have Changed About Who Pays for the Wedding

Traditionally, the Bride Pays for These Wedding Expenses

• The wedding ring for the groom
• Gifts for her bridesmaids
• Accommodation for out-of-town bridesmaids
• A wedding gift for the groom
• The flower child's outfit and accessories

Traditionally, the Groom Pays for These Wedding Expenses

• The engagement ring and the wedding ring for the bride
• The honeymoon trip
• A wedding gift for the bride
• The marriage license
• Gifts for the groomsmen
• Accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen
• Flowers for the bride
• The going-away corsage
• Corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom
• The boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party
• The gloves, ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party
• The celebrant's fee

Traditionally, the Bride's Family Pays for These Wedding Expenses

• The cost of the reception, food and entertainment
• The bride's wedding dress and other clothes
• Wedding stationery, including invitations, announcements and thank-you notes
• The seating assignment chart, church program, napkins and postage
• The photographer
• The videographer
• Ceremony costs
• Flowers for the bride, the ceremony and reception
• Flowers and accessories for the bridesmaids, flower girl and ring-bearer
• Transportation for the bridal party to the ceremony and the reception
• All gratuities for the vendors and services

Traditionally, the Groom's Family Pays for These Wedding Expenses

• Clothing for the wedding
• Travel and lodging expenses
• The rehearsal dinner
• A wedding gift for the bride and groom

Traditionally, the Bridesmaids Pay for These Wedding Expenses

• The bridesmaids' dresses, shoes and other wedding clothes
• Their travel expenses
• A wedding gift for the bride and groom
• The bridal shower
• The bachelorette party

The Rules Have Changed About Who Pays for the Wedding

The traditional division of wedding expenses lays most of the financial burden on the bride's family. However, changes in contemporary lifestyles and attitudes have brought about changes in the rules for the wedding. Often you'll find that the bride and groom plan to pay for the wedding themselves. There are several reasons for this turnabout.

1. Because wedding couples are waiting longer to get married, working, earning and saving over a longer period, they do not have to rely on their parents to pay for the wedding of their dreams.
2. Sometimes the bride and groom plan for wedding expenses that are beyond the financial resources of their families.
3. The bride wants to plan the wedding according to her own wishes and dreams, without the interference of family members.
4. The thoughtful bride and groom do not want to burden their families with wedding expenses.

I wish you a happy day full of romance and memories as you plan your wedding.

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Who Pays for the Wedding