Traditionally, the bride’s family has been expected to pay for most of the wedding expenses, including the ceremony, the reception, the bride’s attire, and more. The groom’s family, on the other hand, traditionally covers the rehearsal dinner, marriage licenses, and the groom’s attire.
These are just old traditions, and many modern couples and their families no longer adhere to them. Nowadays, it’s much more common for wedding expenses to be shared more evenly between the couple and both sets of parents, or even for the couple to pay for the wedding entirely themselves.
Here’s a more detailed look at who traditionally pays for what:
Bride and Bride’s Family:
- Engagement party
- Wedding invitations, announcements, and other stationery
- A wedding planner or coordinator
- Bride’s dress and accessories
- All fees for the ceremony venue, officiant, organist, etc.
- Costs of the reception, including venue, food, drinks, decorations, music, and entertainment
- Photography and/or videography
- Transportation and/or accommodation for the bridal party
- Wedding favors
- Bridesmaid gifts
- Flowers for the ceremony and reception
Groom and Groom’s Family:
- Marriage license
- Groom’s attire
- Engagement and wedding rings
- Rehearsal dinner
- Bridal bouquets and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
- Boutonnieres for men in the wedding party
- Transportation and/or accommodation for the groom’s attendants
- Honeymoon
Wedding Party (Each Pays For Their Own):
- Attire and accessories
- Travel and accommodation expenses
Keep in mind these are traditional roles, and every wedding is different. Most important is open and honest communication among all parties involved in the wedding. Many families will discuss the budget and make a plan that best suits everyone’s situation. Some couples might handle all the wedding costs themselves, while families might split the costs in other cases.
It all depends on the individual circumstances and preferences of the people involved.