Wedding Etiquette - Who Pays for What

A wedding is one of the most important events in a person's life. So, making a big deal out of it and celebrating it in a unique way is what everyone wants. However, a lavish wedding can cost the couple (and their families) a huge amount of money. So it only makes sense to properly plan and decide who should be paying for what. Gone are the days when the entire wedding was the burden of just the parents of the bride and groom. Today, wedding expenses are split four ways: the bride, the groom, the bride's family and the groom's family. It is a more practical approach to the whole wedding 'affair', and in the end benefits all four parties.

Note: Given below is a generally accepted idea of who pays for what at a wedding. Check it out and see it suits you.

The Bride Pays for...

• Groom's wedding ring
• Gifts for the bridesmaids and the groom
• Accommodation of outstation guests
• Her hair and makeup person
• The 'going-away' dress
• Her medical test
• Gifts for attendants

The Groom Pays for...

• Bride's wedding ring
• Medical test
• Best man and usher suits (buy or rent)
• Venue of the wedding night
• Transport for himself and his best man
• The fees for the ceremony
• Gifts for the bride, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, ushers, attendants
• The Honeymoon
• Accessories for attendants
• The fees of the person officiating the ceremony
• The bride's flowers
• Boutonnières for the best man and the groomsmen
• Corsages for the bridesmaids, and other women in the wedding party
• His suit
• The marriage license

The Bride's Family Pay for...

• The reception party
• The wedding invites
• The floral arrangements at the wedding
• The wedding dress
• The outfits of the bridesmaids
• Photographer
• Transport for the bride's family
• The wedding cake
• Music or entertainment at the wedding
• The caterers
• Wedding decorations
• Attire for the parents of the bride
• Wedding present
• Accommodation for family (if necessary)
• Gratuities

The Groom's Family Pays for...

• The rehearsal dinner
• Attire for the parents of the groom
• Wedding presents

Bringing up the topic of who pays for what at a wedding can be a bit tricky, but being straightforward about it is the best approach. The division of expenses given above is totally subjective, and can vary based on your preference. So, sit the concerned parties down well in advance and chalk out an appropriate budget plan for your dream wedding.