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PAYING FOR THE EXPENSES
Who Pays For What
There aren’t any absolute rules as to who pays for what. Traditionally, wedding expenses have been taken care of by the bride’s family, with the groom responsible for the rings and the honeymoon.
While tradition is still an honored part of our heritage, financial obligations must often give way to everyday realities and compromise.
At the time of the wedding planning, both sets of parents, along with the engaged couple, should meet to discuss the financial arrangements. It is wise for each party to make any financial limits absolutely clear–to prevent misunderstandings or hard feelings at a later date after definite plans have been made.
If the parents of the groom are financially willing and able, they may offer at any time to pay part, half, or all of the wedding expenses. This is especially true if the groom's side has many more guests coming and/or if the bride's family and guests must incur travel expenses for a wedding held where the groom's family lives.
Costs should be allocated in order of priority of what is most important to the bride and groom. As a loose rule of thumb, reception food/drink is 50% of the total budget. Then photography 10%, flowers 10%, music 10%, dress, headpiece and veil 10%, misc (gifts, favors, fees, transportation, tips, etc.) 6%, and finally invitations 4%. These numbers can be adjusted based on your prioritites.
Below is a traditional list of who pays for what, but the final decision really depends on who is most willing and able to pay.
The Bride
The Groom
The Bride’s Family
The Groom’s Family
The Attendants
The Guests