Paying for a Wedding: Traditional Division

Right now, wedding traditions are in flux. And, because in many cases the bride and groom are already self-sufficient, paying for the wedding is often split right down the middle. But some people are still interested in the traditional division of finances when it comes to paying for a wedding. Here is the way wedding expenses traditional fall out:

Bride's family

In many cases, the bride's family traditionally bears the brunt of the wedding. Here are the things that the bride's family is traditionally bound to pay for:

*Wedding announcements, all invitations and postage. Also, the bride's family pays for thank-you notes for gifts.
*Parties and gatherings: engagement party, bridesmaid luncheon, wedding reception, etc.
*Bridal gown and all the accessories.
*Flowers and wedding decorations.
*All of the costs associated with the wedding ceremony itself.
*Bridal party transportation to the ceremony and then to the reception.
*Present for the married couple.

Bride

The bride does, traditionally, have some responsibilities in terms of paying for the wedding:

*Wedding band for the groom.
*Gifts for her attendants.
*Accommodations for her attendants.
*Medical exam and blood tests (if required).
*Present for the groom.

Groom's family

The groom's family also, traditionally, has expenses. However, they often pale in comparison with what the bride's family pays.

*Rehearsal dinner expenses. This includes invitations and postage for the rehearsal dinner.
*Clothes for the wedding. (The groom's family often rents the tuxes for the groomsmen).
*Own travel expenses and accommodations.
*Gift for the newly weds.

Groom

The groom's expenses are generally fairly large, since they usually include the engagement ring and the honeymoon.

*Marriage license.
*Engagement ring and wedding band for the bride.
*Gifts for groomsmen.
*Blood test and medical exam where required.
*Corsages for the mothers and boutonnieres for both fathers, groomsmen and ushers.
*The bride's bouquet.
*Fees for the wedding officiator.
*Honeymoon.
*Gift for the bride.

Attendants

Even the attendants have some expenses associated with a traditional wedding:

*Own clothes for the wedding.
*Gift for couple.
*Travel expenses.
*Party (such as a bachelor or bachelorette party).

Of course, these days none of these expenses is usually assigned that way. For the most part, families usually agree to some sort of arrangement that allows them to nearly evenly split the cost of the wedding. Since most brides and grooms are older and more established, families no longer need to take such a large role in paying for a wedding. However the families agree to split up the wedding costs is usually fine.