Back when more couples were getting married straight out of high school, their parents were still heavily involved in their daily lives and in many cases still taking care of their financial expenses. It made perfect sense that they would be there to help with wedding costs.
Now, however, most couples are getting married after they have already been out on their own for a while. Quite a few brides and grooms are already living together when they tie the knot and have already established a home together. This is a big reason why most couples now pay for the majority of the wedding expenses themselves. If your families would like to help with the financial aspect of your wedding, that's when you can look to tradition to help you decide who can pay for what.
None of these suggestions are set in stone rules, but rather a list of what was commonly expected in the past. Use this list as a guideline, but feel free to move things around and make it your own.
THE BRIDE'S SIDE
- Wedding dress and accessories
- Ceremony site, as well as all of the decorations and any music
- Ceremony flowers for decoration and for the flower girl, and bridesmaids' bouquets
- Reception site, decorations, and all reception services
- Photographer
- Invitations, announcements, and mailing cost
- Transporation for the wedding party to the ceremony and reception sites.
- Engagement party (The groom's family may also throw an engagement party, but the bride's family party should happen first.)
- The bride alone pays for:
- The groom's wedding ring
- Wedding gift for the groom
- Gifts for the bridesmaids
- Her hair and makeup
THE GROOM'S SIDE
- Groom's suit rental or purchase
- Marriage license
- Officiant fee
- Men's boutonnieres and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
- Bridal bouquet
- Rehearsal dinner
- Honeymoon
- The groom alone pays for:
- The bride's engagement and wedding rings
- Wedding gift for the bride
- Gifts for the groomsmen
THE WEDDING PARTY
- Maid of Honor & Bridesmaids
- Bridal shower
- Bridal shower gift (if attending more than one, only one gift is necessary)
- Bachelorette party
- Bridesmaid gown and accessories
- Their own travel and hotel expenses
- Best Man & Groomsmen
- Bachelor party
- Suit rental or purchase
- Their own travel and hotel expenses
Splitting the Costs
Anyone that pitches in for the cost of your wedding may expect to have some say in what you spend that money on. This can be a touchy subject, so make it clear before accepting any financial help from family that the wedding decisions are yours to make.
You can choose to follow tradition and use the list above, pay for the entire thing as a couple, split the cost 3 ways between you and each set of parents, or let family members offer to pay for specific things. For instance, a grandmother or aunt may want to give you a beautiful wedding dress from our South Florida bridal boutique as a gift, or a friend that owns a restaurant may want to offer catering services.
This is one of those many instances where your personal reality is more important than what was expected in the past. Take it from us at Angelus Bridal & Formals, if you plan a wedding in a way that makes you happy instead of trying to make everyone else happy, it's going to be the best day ever!
878 SW 10th Avenue - Suite #8
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
954-943-7768
Visit our website: www.AngelusBridal.com
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
No comments:
Post a Comment