Your Wedding Budget: Where to Begin

Here are some traditional guidelines on who's supposed to pay.

Ceremony

Bride and family pay for church, synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.
Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant's fee.

Clothes

Bride and family pay for bride's dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau.
All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Flowers

Bride and family pay for arrangements for the ceremony and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
Groom and family pay for bride's bouquet, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Wedding Services

• Airport & Limousine
• Banquet Facilities
• Beauty Services
• Bridal & Tuxedo Shops
• Gown & Flower Preservation
• Caterers
• Churches
• Disc Jockey's
• Entertainment
• Favors
• Florists
• Honeymoons
• Invitations & Announcements
• Jewelers
• Justice of the Peace
• Linen Rentals
• Photographers
• Videographers
• Wedding Cakes
• Wedding Consultants

Honeymoon

Groom and family pay for honeymoon.

Photography

Bride and family pay for wedding photos and video.

Pre-wedding Parties

Groom's family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.
Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids' luncheon.
Groom hosts and plans bachelors' dinner.
Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.
Best man and ushers host bachelor party.

Reception

Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

Rings

Bride and/or her family pay for groom's ring.
Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride's rings.

Stationery

Bride and her family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

Transportation

Bride and her family pay for transportation of the bridal party to and from the ceremony and reception.