Design Our Day 

Who Pays for What?

Traditionally, the bride's family paid for the entire wedding and reception. While this practice continues today, it is not unusual for the groom's family to offer to share some of the expenses (flowers, liquor, music, etc.) In addition, more and more couples today are planning and paying for the entire cost of their wedding. The wedding invitations are sent out in their own names unless they wish to give their parents the courtesy of issuing the invitation. But, for the most part, wedding expenses are usually allocated as follows:

The Groom and his family's expenses include:

• The Brides engagement ring and wedding ring
• His wedding attire
• His doctor's visit and blood test
• The Marriage License
• Clergyman's fee or donation
• Gifts for the best man and ushers
• Boutonnieres for the Groom and his Ushers ( the bridal bouquet, going away corsage, unless the bride includes them in her florist's order)
• The Bachelor and Rehearsal Dinners (optional)
• The Honeymoon expenses

The Bridesmaid's expenses include:

• Purchase of bridesmaid's dresses, shoes and all accessories
• Transportation to and from the location of the wedding
• Wedding Gift to the couple
• A Bridal Shower or Luncheon (a co-ed party may be planned by both the Bridesmaids and Best Men)

Guest's expenses include:

• The Groom's parents pay their own transportation and lodgings (as do out-of-town guests).
• The Parents of both the Bride and Groom can help with accommodations for the Bridesmaids and Ushers (e.g., the home of friends, or they may pay all or part of the expenses of a hotel.

Info provided by Edith Gilbert, the author of several etiquette and planning books. Her byline has appeared in the New York Sunday Times, Chicago Tribune, Detroit News and Free Press, and other publications.