So who’s picking up the tab? There used to be hard and fast rules about divvying up wedding costs, but as with so many things, many of today’s couples could not care less about those. Instead, they are just letting common sense rule.
The short answer to “Who pays for what?” is, “Who wants it to happen and can afford to cover it?”
This has led to a loosening of the guidelines that were in vogue in the mid-20th century, when the bride’s parents were considered host and hostess and automatically expected to pick up the tab. Nowadays, with many couples marrying as established adults with careers and homes of their own, the answer is often, “Our party, our responsibility.”
If you’re lucky enough to have parents who want to help, it’s a beautiful thing. And just in case you or they are interested, here are the customary guidelines.”
The short answer to “Who pays for what?” is, “Who wants it to happen and can afford to cover it?”
bride
Wedding flowers, gifts for your bridesmaids, the groom’s ring, and the groom’s gift.
bride’s family
Planning costs, wedding gown, venue, photography and videography, catering, decor, and music. Lodging and travel expenses for officiant and any bridesmaids who may be traveling from afar.
groom
Marriage license, officiant’s fee, bride’s wedding and engagement rings, bride’s gift, bride’s bouquet, wedding garb, gifts and boutonnieres for groom’s attendants, and honeymoon expenses.
groom’s family
Rehearsal dinner, lodging and travel costs for out-of-town groomsmen, flowers and boutonnieres for immediate family members. It’s often considered reasonable for the groom’s family to pick up the bar tab.
