Who Pays Changes Over Time
The question of who pays for what is a bit harder to answer today now that couples marry older, have more disposable income, have multiple parental units and create elaborate events. Traditionally the bride’s family paid for the entire wedding and reception, keeping the event within their family budget. Today, however, families and the couple often split expenses. Soon after the engagement announcement, discuss who is able to contribute and how much so everyone knows what the wedding budget is prior to signing vendor contracts. All expenses except those listed below are traditionally paid by the bride’s family.
Traditional Expenses for Groom & His Family
- Bride’s engagement & wedding rings
- Groom wedding attire
- Marriage license
- Officiant Fee
- Transportation & Lodging for immediate family if out-of-town event
- Boutonnieres for groom and ushers; bride’s bouquet, unless she’s included the flowers in her order
- Bride gift
- Rehearsal dinner
- Honeymoon
Traditional Bridesmaid Expenses
- Dress, shoes and accessories
- Professional hair and make-up
- Transportation to and from the wedding
- Lodging, if not arranged with family or paid by bride’s family
- Wedding gift
- Contribution for bridal shower or luncheon
Traditional Groomsmen Expenses
- Wedding attire, including accessories and shoes
- Transportation to and from the wedding
- Lodging
- Wedding gift
- Contribution to bachelor party
Traditional Guest Expenses
- Transportation and lodging
- Wedding gift
Be sure to offer your guests choices of lodging with varying nightly rates so the trip is affordable for all. If you are going to list gift preferences on a bridal registry, do the same. Choose items from all price points. And, by all means, do not ask your guests to pay for your honeymoon or a down payment on your first home. 
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© Copyright October 2015 Linda Leier Thomason
All Rights Reserved.