Who Pays? - Financing Your Wedding Day

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.

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:
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
Reception:
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