The question of who pays for what is a bit harder to answer today now that couples marry older, have more disposable income 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.

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Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form below.

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