In traditional weddings there is a various cost breakdown between the two families. Here is a breakdown of suggested costs and who pays for what in a traditional wedding.
The Bride:
- Wedding ring for the groom
- Wedding gift for the groom
- Presents for the bridal attendants, and flower girl(s)
- Personal stationery
- Bridesmaids’ luncheon (also includes Maid/Matron of Honor, Flower Girl and Guest Book Attendant)
- Accommodations for out-of-town bridal attendants
- Physical examination/blood test (if necessary)
The Groom:
- The bride’s ring(s)
- Wedding gift for the bride
- Marriage license
- Gifts for the groom attendants (best man, groomsmen, ushers, and ring bearer)
- Wedding attire
- Flowers: bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage, corsages for mothers, boutonnieres for the groom attendants
- Accommodations for out-of-town groom attendants
- Physical exam/blood test (if necessary)
- Gloves, ties or ascots for groom attendants
- Fee for the clergy
- The honeymoon
- Optional: Casual get-together for groom attendants (if no bachelor party)
Bride’s Family:
- Wedding attire (Wedding Dress, Flower girl Dress, etc.)
- Reception: food, beverages, wedding cake, gratuities for the bartenders and waiters, decorations, music, flowers, etc.
- Wedding gift for the newlyweds
- Wedding invitations, announcements, calligraphy, and mailing costs
- Bride’s wedding attire/trousseau
- Engagement and wedding photography and videography
- Ceremony: rental of location, fees for organist, soloist or choir, and sexton, aisle carpet and/or canopy and any other additional costs for flowers and decorations
- Personal flowers for attendants, Guest Book attendant, grandparents, etc.
- Fees for directing traffic as well as parking costs and coat-check fees
- Favors and Accessories
- Transportation for bridal party to the wedding ceremony and from ceremony to reception
- Wedding Consultant fee
- Optional: rehearsal dinner, if the parents of the Groom are not hosting one
Groom’s Family:
- Wedding attire (Father of the Groom should match Father of the Bride)
- Travel and lodging expenses
- Wedding gift for bride and groom
- Rehearsal dinner and/or other wedding expenses they elect to assume
Attendants/Wedding Party:
- Wedding attire
- Travel expenses
- Wedding gift for the couple
Guests:
- Travel and lodging expenses (If not a destination wedding)
- Wedding gift for the couple