Picking up the Tab
Rachel Moore
Clients often ask us to give them a breakdown of who is responsible for paying for each part of a wedding. The answer is pretty complicated, as traditions have changed over the years. With the help of our friends at The Knot, however, here’s a list of what each family is generally expected to cover.
Bride’s Family Pays:
- Reception costs — including food, decorations, rentals, music, etc.
- Wedding planner
- Bride’s appearance — dress, veil, accessories, hair and makeup, etc.
- Stationary — including postage
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Ceremony expenses — including flowers
- Bridal party transportation
- Groom’s wedding ring
- Bridesmaids’ and other attendants’ gifts
- All tips
- Bridesmaids’ luncheon
Groom’s Family Pays:
- Bride’s rings
- Alcohol for reception
- Honeymoon
- Marriage license
- Groomsmen’s gifts
- Personal flowers for ceremony — bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres for the men (other than the groom) and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
- Officiant’s fee
- Groom’s attire
- Rehearsal dinner
- Wedding gift for the newlyweds
- Bachelor’s dinner