Greetings from Debbie

Debbie's Wedding Planner
Who Pays for What?
Weddings have traditionally been paid for by the Bride’s parents, but in recent times the Groom’s parents have taken on more of a financial responsibility. The following is a brief list of what both sides pay for:

Bride/Parents:

Invitations & Announcements
Engagement party
Flowers for ceremony and reception
Music/D.J. Service
Grooms wedding ring
Gifts for bride’s attendants
Attendant’s party
Thank you notes
Wedding gift book
Wedding guest book
Wedding dress, veil accessories, trousseau
Rental fee for ceremony site and gratuities
Rental fee for aisle carpet, ribbons, etc.
Photography
Transportation for wedding party
All reception expenses
Bridal Consultant’s fee
Valet parking

Groom/Parents:

Engagement & wedding rings
Grooms medical exam and blood test
Marriage license
Officiant’s fee
Gifts for grooms attendants
Rehearsal dinner
Flowers for bride, bridal party, mother, etc.
Boutonnieres for groomsmen
Groom’s wedding attire
Bride’s wedding gift
Lodging for groomsmen
Honeymoon expenses

In a perfect world the wedding expenses would be split 50 - 50 between the two families. Be upfront with the parents of the Groom and discuss the financial responsibilities, and then agree on Who Pays for What.

Our research has found a variety of articles associated with "Who Pays for What", as well as a wide variety of answers to your many questions. This section only includes questions, answers and articles regarding Who Pays for What.

The Internet is a powerful tool that can be used to research and plan your wedding. However, we ask that you use the Internet for gathering your information and then purchase your products and services for your wedding locally. Local businesses that have made “Greetings!…from Debbie” Wedding Planner possible create local jobs; they pay local taxes; their employees volunteer in numerous community clubs and organizations; they contribute to a variety of local charities (including youth sports and non-profit organizations); and they provide service for the products and services they sell.

You may not receive the same treatment when securing something on the Internet.

Thanks for your consideration and cooperation!
[Back to Wedding Planner Index]
The following are articles, questions or answers pertaining to Who pay for What?:

The Wedding Help Line
Today there are no absolute rules about who pays for what, in regard to wedding expenses. The following list indicates the traditional assumption of expenses. The Bride, Groom, and parents should meet to discuss who will pay for what at the beginning of the wedding planning to determine a realistic budget and exactly who will be responsible for which expenses so there are no misunderstandings or hard feelings later. Debbie highly recommends!

WedAlert
WedAlert's Wedding Expense Breakdown helps you learn the traditional "Who pays for what?"

New Jersey Bridal.com
There are no absolute steadfast rules on who pays for the wedding expenses. Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the majority of the expenses. However, with today's high prices, many families decide to share the costs. Debbie highly recommends!

Bridesmaids: Money Etiquette Q&A (article)
Does being a bridesmaid mean dishing out dollops of dollars? Here are answers to your questions about who pays for what.

Q&A: Wedding Planning: Who Pays for What? (article)
What is proper for the families of the bride and groom to pay for in regard to the wedding?

Q&A: Flowers: Who Pays for Them? (article)
I recently visited my florist about the cost of my flowers, and she informed me that the bride's family pays for the bridesmaids' bouquets, the groom's boutonniere, and flowers for the cake, and the groom's family pays for the bride's bouquet, corsages for the mothers and grandmothers, and the groomsmen's boutonnieres. Is this true?

Q&A: Wedding Costs: Who Pays for What? (article)
My sister is getting married and her future in-laws and our parents have planned to split the cost of the whole wedding and reception. Who is supposed to pay for what?

Q&A: Groomsmen: Who Pays for the Tuxedo? (article)
As a groomsman, do I pay for my tuxedo or does the groom?

Q&A: Etiquette: Who Pays for the Shower Meal? (article)
My girlfriend and I want to give a luncheon bridal shower for our friend, who is getting married out of state. We would like to have the shower at a restaurant. Who pays for the meal? My girlfriend says guests should pay for their own meals, but I want to do the right thing.

Q&A: Bridesmaids: Who Pays for Their Hair and Makeup? (article)
Who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup?

Q&A: Etiquette: Who Pays for Bridal Party Attire? (article)
Are bridesmaids supposed to purchase their gowns, and do groomsmen pay for their tux rentals? My friend says she has never heard of such a thing, and that I'm supposed to pay.

Q&A: Remarriage: Who Pays for a Third Wedding? (article)
I just got engaged, but my mother told me she won't help at all, because this will be my third marriage and she is tired of the whole "routine." How should I handle my mother and family? (I feel funny inviting my relatives to a third wedding.) Who should I invite, and who should pay for a "third time's the charm" wedding?

Q&A: Finances: Who Pays for Lodging? (article)
If a couple decides to wed in a distant location, who pays for lodging? The guests?

Q&A: Bridesmaids: Who Pays For The Bridesmaid Dress? (article)
Q. Do bridesmaids have to pay for their own dresses?

Q&A: Wedding Planning: Ask Sibs to Pay Expenses? (article)
I'm working out a budget for my May wedding. My parents are deceased. Would it be correct etiquette to ask my siblings, who are all 10 or more years older than I, to help pay for the expenses that are usually paid for by the bride's parents?

Wedding Money: Who's Footing the Bill? (article)
So it's time to plan a wedding -- but where's the loot coming from? Parents, you two, some combination? We take you through the pros and cons of the options. Debbie highly recommends!

Q&A: Finances: Feeling Guilty about Dad Paying? (article)
I am 29 and my fiancé is 42. I have a fairly steady job and my fiancé is doing extremely well. Several years ago, my dad said that someday he would pay for my wedding. Well, I recently asked if he would like to contribute, and he said he would need to talk it over with my step mom. It was a hard question to ask, because he hasn't paid for anything for me since I moved out almost 10 years ago. It was very uncomfortable for both of us. Two weeks later he offered me $10,000. My aunt has since expressed surprise that I asked -- she felt that since I am almost 30 and have been working for so many years, it wasn't the right thing to do. But my fiancé really encouraged me to ask, as I am my father's only daughter. Now I feel guilty about the whole thing. Should I just let it go, accept that he has offered to pay, and try to find the best possible deal to keep costs at a minimum? Should I maybe try to pay for some of it myself?

Q&A: Finances: Asking In-laws for Contributions? (article)
We are several months into planning our wedding, but my future in-laws have not yet offered to contribute, financially or otherwise. I asked my fiancé to speak with them, but he seems very reluctant to do so. Should I assume they do not wish to contribute, or should I speak with them myself? They are very nice people and I don't want to offend them.

Q&A: Wedding Planning: Who Pays for What? (article)
What is proper for the families of the bride and groom to pay for in regard to the wedding?

[Back to Wedding Planner Index]
Divider