Who Pays for What??

Wedding Planning, Wedding Decor, Invitations, Marriage License, Bridesmaids, Venue, Photographer, Florist, Videographer, Caterer, Make-up Artist, Hairstylist, Tuxedo Rentals, Travel, Officiant, Honeymoon Planning, Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Luncheon, Bartender, Reception...

OMGosh!... that's alot to think about! 

Here's a little checklist to help you figure out who pays for what on to make your big day awesome:

Pre-Wedding Parties

Traditional:

The bride's family covers the first engagement party;

(the groom's side can throw one of its own)

His side pays for the rehearsal dinner.

Modern:

Each family may throw an engagement party;

(the bride's family can host the first one, if it likes)

anyone can host the rehearsal dinner-even an aunt.

Stationery

Traditional:

The bride's family pays for every invitation, program and placecard - including the stamps.

Modern:

The couple can pick up the tab, maybe choosing to DIY the Save-the-Dates or invites to save money.

Ceremony

Traditional:

The bride's parents take care of the music, venue fee, and aisle runner.  The groom covers the marriage license and officiant's fee.

Modern:

If the wedding is being performed at one family's house of worship, that family covers the ceremony costs.  Otherwise, anyone can pay.

Flowers

Traditional:

The bride's family pays for the big-ticket items like centerpieces.  The groom's side buys the bride's bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages.

Modern:

All the flowers are paid for together, by the bride's or groom's side - or even by the couple themselves.

Photographer/Videographer:

Traditional:

The bride's family pays to document the occassion.

Modern:

One family pays for the photographer and the other for the videographer.  Or the couple hire the photographer and the families each buy their own prints and albums.

Reception

Traditional:

The bride's family picks up the entire tab, including food, drink, decor and music.

Modern:

The groom's famil covers specifics like liquor or music; the bride's family pays for the rest.  Better:  Everyone pitches in according to what they want.

Hope that helps!

Happy planning!! ;)