The Wedding Budget -- Who Pays for What

Once the date is set, calculating a budget is an immediate priority. A formal wedding will be the most expensive, informal the least. However, nothing is set in stone and the burden of paying has shifted in recent years from the bride's family to be shared more by the groom's. Couples marrying later in life with their own money are also contributing more. 

Today's reality is that the costs incurred by the Grooms tend to be shared between the couple and the costs traditionally borne by the bride's family are shared between themselves and the groom's family. Below is what tradition has dictated who pays for what. 

Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories; Wedding Ring for Groom (the bride); Bridesmaid Gifts; Bridesmaid Bouquets; Grandmother Corsages; Rented Items for Wedding; Invitations and Newspaper announcements; Wedding Order of Service programmes; Napkins and printed items; Musician/Soloist; Reception Venue Fee, together with food, drinks and decorations; Wedding Photography; Band and/or DJ; Wedding Cake; transport to the church for the bride; the clothes of the bride's attendants

Engagement ring; Wedding Ring, Groomsmen/Usher Gifts; Bride's Bouquet; Mothers' Corsages; Groom's, Groomsmen and Ushers Buttonholes; Marriage License; Church Fee; Clergyman/Officiant Fee; formal dress for men in wedding party; Ceremony / Reception Flowers; presents for attendants; transport to and from wedding venue; honeymoon