Who Pays for What at the Wedding?

As weddings can be a costly affair, it's important to consider who will pay for what. Traditionally, the bride's parents were responsible for hosting and financing the entire celebration, but today, it's common for couples to pay for their own wedding. However, parents may still want to contribute financially, and negotiations should be based on willingness and ability.

To make the process less daunting, it's helpful to understand the traditional breakdown of wedding expenses. While it's not mandatory for the bride's family to pay for the engagement party or the groom's family to foot the bill for the rehearsal dinner, having a general knowledge of who pays for what can make the planning process smoother.

The bride's family typically pays for the engagement party, wedding planning expenses, the bride's attire, floral arrangements, transportation, photo and video fees, travel and lodging for the officiant, and all reception expenses. The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres, lodging for the groom's attendants, and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner. The groom pays for the marriage license, officiant's fees, the bride's engagement and wedding rings, a gift, boutonnieres and gifts for his groomsmen, and the honeymoon expenses.

As for the rehearsal dinner, it's the groom's family's responsibility to organize and pay for it. The size of the dinner can range from a small gathering for the wedding party to a larger event with a significant portion of the wedding guests. While some groom's families may choose to offset reception expenses by purchasing alcohol or paying for floral arrangements, it's important to make sure each party is comfortable with their contribution.

In the end, it's up to each couple and their families to decide who will pay for what. While traditional roles can provide guidance, negotiations should be based on individual circumstances and the willingness and ability of each party to contribute. By understanding these traditional breakdowns and discussing expectations early on, the wedding planning process can be more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved

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