The big question with weddings is always who pays for what! Here is a traditional list of who is responsible for which bits. However, you need to keep in mind that this is simply a starting point and what works for you in the end may be very different to our list!

Ceremony

* Bride and family pay for church.
* Groom and family pay for marriage license and celebrant’s fee.

Clothes

* Bride and family pay for bride’s dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau.
* Groom and family pay for groom’s outfit.
* All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Flowers

* Bride and family pay for arrangements for church and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
* Groom and family pay for bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Honeymoon

* Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.

Photography

* Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.

Pre-wedding Parties

* Bride or groom’s family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride’s family hosts the first one.
* Groom’s family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.
* Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids’ luncheon.
* Groom hosts and plans bachelors’ dinner.
* Maid of honour and bridesmaids host shower.
* Best man and ushers host bachelor party.
* Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.

Reception

* Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

Rings

* Bride and/or her family pay for groom’s ring.
* Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride’s rings.

Stationery

* Bride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

Transportation

* Bride and family pay for transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.

Thank you to The Knot and several of my “bibles” for this comprehensive list, which is used often when talking with wedding clients!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn