As with many changing customs and traditions, the financing of a wedding has changed too. It is no longer written in stone as to who is required to pay for different aspects of a wedding. In fact, many brides and grooms are paying for their own wedding.

However, here are the “traditional” roles in financing a wedding for your convenience.

•    THE BRIDE generally pays for the groom’s wedding ring, lodging for her out of town attendants, a luncheon or party for her bridesmaids, a wedding gift for her future husband, and gifts for the bridesmaids.
•    THE GROOM generally pays for the engagement ring and the bride’s wedding rings, any fees for the gift for his future wife, lodging for his out of town attendants, the clergy fee and transportation.
•    THE BRIDESMAIDS and MAID OF HONOR generally pay for the bridal shower, and the bachelorette party. They also pay for their own gowns and accessories.
•    THE GROOMSMEN and BEST MAN generally pay for the bachelor party and for their own tuxedos and other formal wear.
•    PARENTS OF THE GROOM generally pay for the rehearsal dinner, and/or after wedding brunch. Of course, they also give a generous gift to the couple.
•    PARENTS OF THE BRIDE generally pay for everything else. This comes from the old tradition of dowry. They pay for everything needed for the reception, including music, flowers, the reception facility, food bar costs, and anything else. They also buy their daughter her bridal gown, pay any gratuities, and of course they also give a generous gift to the couple.

As stated these are not rules but merely guidelines. Your own personal finances will dictate what type of wedding reception you have, and who pays for what is entirely up to you and your families.

 
The Bride’s Family   
All of the reception costs.
Bridesmaids’ bouquets and flowers
Decorative accessories for the ceremony and reception
Music for the ceremony and reception
Groom’s wedding gift and wedding band.
Bridesmaids’ gifts and their hotel accommodations.
Photographer and photographs
Wedding stationary
Bride’s wedding gown, accessories and trousseau.
All transportation and parking expenses for the ceremony and reception.

The Groom’s Family
Bride’s rings and wedding gift.
Marriage license
Groom-men’s gift.
Ties and gloves for the groom’s party
Bride’s bouquet and corsage.
Corsages for mothers and grandmothers.
Boutonnieres for the groom’s party.
Clergyman’s fee.
Rehearsal dinner
The honeymoon