Even though many couples pay for their own wedding these days, many parents of the bride and groom pitch in with expenses. Below is an alphabetical list of Color who traditionally pays for what, but remember, this is just a guideline offered by generations past and does not represent hard and fast rules today. Humility, kindness, patience and understanding will be needed as you and your fiancée’ sort out a way to pay for your wedding day.
Remember – no marriage starts well that begins in debt. It is better to have a small intimate wedding than marital strife. Don’t sweat the small stuff if you can’t afford a big lavish wedding ceremony and reception. A justice of the peace or a pastor who marries you in your own home or the home of parents or a friend may be a good alternative to a big wedding should you prefer or need to go that route. At the end of the day you will be just as married as someone with more money to spend.
Prelimenary Considerations
| item | party |
| Accommodations For Out-Of-Town Attendants | Bride |
| Announcements | Bride's Family |
| Blood Test, Personal | Bride |
| Blood Test, Personal | Groom |
| Boutonnieres For Attendants And Fathers | Groom |
| Bridal Showers | Maid Of Honor Or Bridesmaids |
| Bride’s Bouquet | Groom |
| Bride’s Wedding Dress And Accessories | Bride's Family |
| Bridesmaids’ Bouquets | Bride's Family |
| Bridesmaids’ Luncheon | Bride's Family |
Ceremony Cost
| item | party |
| Location | Bride's Family |
| Ceremony Flowers | Bride's Family |
| Music | Bride's Family |
| Rentals | Bride's Family |
| Related Expenses | Bride's Family |
| Clergyman’s Fee | Groom |
| Corsage For Bride’s Departure | Groom |
| Corsage For Bride’s Mother | Groom |
| Corsages For Close Family | Groom |
| Ceremony Decorations | Brides Family |
| Reception Decorations | Brides Family |
| Wedding Cake | Bride's Family |
| Engagement Ring | Groom |
| Flowers And Decorations | Bride's Family |
| Gifts Of Appreciation For Best Man | Groom |
| Gifts Of Appreciation For Bridal Attendants | Bride |
| Gifts Of Appreciation For Bride’s Parents | Bride/Groom |
| Gifts Of Appreciation For Ushers | Groom |
| Gift For Bride And Groom | Bridesmaids/Attendants/Guests |
| Honeymoon Expenses | Groom |
| Invitations To Wedding And Mail Costs | Bride's Family |
| Marriage License | Groom |
| Medical Examination, Personal | Bride |
| Medical Examination, Personal | Groom |
| Over Budget Wedding Items | Bride/Groom |
| Photography | Bride's Family (Family Members May Pay For Their Own Copies Of Pictures Taken At Wedding) |
| Printing Of Invitations | Bride’s Family |
| item | party |
| Reception Beverages | Bride's Family |
| Reception Food | Bride's Family |
| Entertainment | Bride's Family |
| Tables/Chairs | Bride's Family |
| Reception Decorations | Bride's Family |
| Misc. Rental Items | Bride's Family |
| Rehearsal Dinner Party | Groom's Family |
| Stationery For Personal Invitations To Wedding | Bride |
| Transportation To The Site Of Ceremony | Bride's Family |
| Travel And Accommodations/Groom's Family | Grooms Family |
| Travel Expenses, Personal | Bridesmaids And Attendants |
| Tuxedo, Wedding Attire | Groom |
| Wedding Cake | Bride's Family |
| Wedding Gift For The Bride | Groom |
| Wedding Gift For The Couple | Bride's And Groom’s Family |
| Wedding Gift For Groom | Bride |
| Wedding Gown | Bride's Family |
| Wedding Rings For Bride | Groom |
| Wedding Attire For Themselves | Bridesmaids And Attendants |
