Who Pays For What?

Here is a list of traditional ways of dividing the cost of a wedding. However, you do not have to abide by this, it's just a rule of thumb. A lot of the time it's the bride and groom who foot most of the bill anyway.

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.

Prewedding Parties:

• Bride or groom's family plans and hosts engagement party. (Hint: If there is more than one, the 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 honor and bridesmaids host shower.
• Best man and ushers host bachelor party.

Attire:

• Bride and family pay for bride's dress and accessories.
• Groom and family pay for groom's outfit.
• All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Ceremony:

• Bride and family pay for church.
• Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant's fee.

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, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Reception:

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

Photography:

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

Transportation:

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

Honeymoon:

• Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.