Traditionally, the bride’s family assumes the burden of most wedding costs, a custom most likely translated from ancient traditions of providing a dowry to attract a husband. While it is still not custom to ask the groom’s family to pay for any more than what is listed below, modern in-laws often offer to help with more. Whatever the case may be, all parties should start budgeting now for their share of the nuptial fees.
The Bride
* Groom’s wedding ring
* Groom’s wedding gift
* Bridesmaids’ gifts
* Personal stationery
The Bride’s Family
* Invitations
* Services of wedding planner
* Wedding gift for the couple
* Bride’s gown, veil and accessories
* Bride’s family’s attire
* Bride’s trousseau
* Bridesmaids’ luncheon
* Lodging for out-of-town bridesmaids
* Rental of sanctuary or other wedding site
* Fee for services performed by officiant
* Music for ceremony and reception
* Flowers for the ceremony site
* Bridesmaids’ bouquets
* Reception expenses (including the rental fee,catering, wedding cake, bar, music, flowers, decorations, gratuities)
* Engagement and wedding portraits
* Ceremony and reception photography
* Videography
* Transportation for the bridal party on the wedding day
* A traffic officer, if needed for parking
The Bridal Attendants
* Purchase of apparel and all accessories
* Transportation to and from the city where the wedding takes place
* Contribution to gift from all bridesmaids to the bride
* Bridal shower or luncheon
The Groom
* Bride’s engagement and wedding rings
* Bride’s wedding gift
* Gifts for best man and groomsmen
* Groom’s own attire
* Marriage license
* Clergy or judge’s fee
* Bride’s bouquet and her going-away flowers
* Flowers for the mothers and grandmothers
* Boutonnieres for all men in the wedding party
* Groomsmen’s gloves, ties and/or ascots (if not part of the rental)
* Transportation for officiant, groomsmen and groom’s family
* Lodging expenses for officiant, if from out of town
The Groom’s Family
* Lodging for out-of-town groomsmen
* Their own wedding attire
* Their own travel and lodging
* Wedding gift for the couple
* The rehearsal dinner
The Best Man & Groomsmen
* Wedding attire
* Transportation to and from the wedding city
* Contribution to gift from all groom’s attendants to groom
* Individual gift to the couple
* Bachelor party
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Featured image: Real Wedding: Michelle + Braden | Jacquelyn Hayward Photography
