Paying for the Wedding - Who Pays For What?

American Tradition states that majority of the wedding costs are the responsibility of the bride and her family, but traditions change over time. A more modern approach is to divide the costs up between the bride and groom and their parents.

Here are traditional guidelines listing who is responsible for certain wedding expenses. You may choose to adapt this list to your own personal needs and preferences.

The Bride’s Family is responsible for:

• Wedding Planner/Consultant/Coordinator's Fee (if necessary)
• Engagement party and announcement
• The Brides Wedding Dress, Veil and accessories
• Invitations, thank you cards, announcements, mailing expenses, etc.
• Wedding Ceremony Cost
• Church fee, etc.
• Ceremony Decorations–Florist
• Programs
• The Wedding Reception
  • Reception hall fee, etc.
  • Any needed rental items
  • Decorations- Flowers
  • Wedding Favors
  • Printed items such as napkins, matchbooks, etc.
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Entertainment (DJ, Musician, Band, Harp, etc.)
• Bridesmaids and flower girl’s flowers and accessories
• Ring bearer’s accessories
• All gratuities/tips for services
• Wedding Breakfast
• Their attire

The Bride is responsible for:

• Her blood tests/medical checkup
• The Guest Book
• Wedding ring for the groom
• Bridesmaids wedding gifts
• Wedding gift for the groom
• Wedding day lingerie
• The bridesmaid’s luncheon

The Groom is responsible for:

• His blood tests/medical checkup
• His Wedding Attire
• Bride's wedding gift
• Bride's wedding and engagement rings
• Alcohol at the reception
• Honeymoon vacation
• Wedding gift for the bride
• Limousine/Carriage costs
• The marriage license
• Groomsmen gifts
• Ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party
• Clergyperson, judge or wedding officiant fee

The Groom's Family is responsible for:

• Their attire
• Paying for the Bride’s bouquet, Corsages for mother of bride and mother of groom
• Boutonnieres for men in wedding party
• The Rehearsal dinner
• Their accommodations if from out of town

The Maid of Honor is responsible for:

• The wedding shower
• Her accommodations if from out of town
• The bachelorette party
• Her bridesmaid gown

The Best Man is responsible for:

• The bachelor party
• His accommodations if from out of town
• His Wedding Attire

The Attendants are responsible for:

• Their wedding attire
• Their accommodations if from out of town
• Their wedding gifts to the newlyweds