Not your favorite topic, you say? But you still want to discover what may be "ideal" or simply "what is done." As with everything, the cost of the wedding included, it all drills down to what you and your soon-to-be-spouse's family will agree upon. That being said, there are levels of tradition you may choose to embrace, especially if you are a younger couple, marrying for the first time. Who Is Responsible? The Cost of the Wedding
It’s the sticky key, am I right? Preparation and planning can include several awkward conversations, or you and your fiancé may simply share this list. This article will answer two questions:
1. Who will pay for my dream wedding?
2. And more importantly, what is considered traditional when splitting the cost of the most common elements included in a wedding?
You’ve heard so many things, and keep in mind, this is simply a guideline. You and your future spouse can take on as much or ask for help for as little as you choose, but this article will spell it out for you without question.
First – The Bride
Bride’s personal stationary and calling cards
Attendants’ bouquets and headdresses
Presents for the bride’s attendants
Gift for the Groom
Wedding ring for the Groom
Bridesmaids’ luncheon
Then – The Bride’s Family
Fees for ceremony musicians or DJ
Aisle carpet, ribbons and church decorations
Bride’s wedding dress or outfit, veil and accessories
Bride’s trousseau
Newspaper and/or social media announcements
Engagement, wedding and reception photography
Transportation for the bridal party to the church and to the reception
Entire cost of the reception
Then there’s - The Groom
The engagement ring and wedding rings
Gift for the Bride
Bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage
Pastor, clergyman or other presiding officiant’s fees
Flowers for the two mothers
Boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party
Gloves, ascots or ties for groom’s wedding party
Gifts for the groom’s wedding party
The marriage license
Gifts for the parents
But what about, The Groom’s Family - ?
The engagement party
The rehearsal dinner
The honeymoon – although more and more couple choose to take on this cost for themselves
And then – The Bridesmaids
Purchase of dress and accessories
Contribution to a gift from all the bridesmaids to the Bride
Individual gift to the couple
A bridal shower and/or luncheon for the Bride
If from out of town, transportation to the wedding site in time for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
And finally - The Groomsmen
Rental of wedding attire
Contribution to a gift from all the groomsmen to the Groom
Individual gift to the couple
If from out of town, transportation to the wedding site in time for rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Bachelor party
As shared previously, more and more modern couples choose to pay for their own weddings and same-sex marriages, this tradition has been overtaken. My recommendation? Have a conversation with your family about how you will finance your wedding and decide on terms.
Happy planning, and: Congratulations on your upcoming wedding celebrations!