Traditionally, the parents of the Bride paid exclusively for the Wedding but for most modern couples, things are a little different. Some couples are able to secure financial support from the Groom's parents, while other couples choose to go it alone and pay for their own Wedding. Whoever pays for the Wedding, it is important to set yourself a budget and stick to it before you are swayed when talking to Wedding suppliers - and especially true if parents are paying for the Wedding!
Money is often one of the biggest bones of contention when planning a Wedding. In order to minimise the risk of everyone falling out, stick to your Wedding budget and ensure parents know exactly what they are being asked to contribute. It's essential to make it clear from the outset that although you maybe receiving financial assistance from your parents, and of which you are truly grateful and you appreciate any suggestions they might have, ultimately it is your Wedding and you will have the final say.
Here is an example breakdown of how the Wedding costs have been traditionally allocated. Remember, however, there are no hard and fast rules here apart from trying to remain within budget! This list is only a guideline and should be altered to suit your own family circumstances.
The Bride's Parents
- The Engagement and Wedding Announcement
- The Bride's dress and accessories
- The Bridesmaid's dresses
- Pageboy outfit
- Mother of the Bride outfit
- Their own outfits
- Transportation for the Bridal party
- Floral bouquet for the Church and Reception
- Wedding Reception and all other expenses associated with it
- Wedding Cake
- Toastmaster
- Wedding Photographer and/or Wedding Videographer
- Wedding Stationery and postage expenses
- Bouquet for the Bride and Bridesmaid's (this cost can also be allocated to both the Bride and the Groom)
- Buttonholes for the Wedding participants and guests (this cost can also be allocated to both the Bride and the Groom)
- Travel and accommodation expenses for the Bride's family (this cost can also be allocated to the Groom)
The Groom's Parents
- The Groom's outfit, the Best Man and Usher outfits
- Travel and accommodation expenses for the Groom's family
The Bride
- Hen Party
- The Groom's Wedding ring
- Present for the Groom
- Hair and Bridal make-over on the day
- Going-away outfit
- Gifts for her Wedding attendants (this cost can also be allocated to both the Bride and Groom)
The Groom
- The Engagement ring
- The Stag Party
- The Bride's Wedding ring
- The hiring of the suits for himself, Best Man and the Ushers
- Transportation for himself and Best Man to Wedding venue
- Transportation for Bride and Groom to reception
- Civil or Church Licence fees
- Bride's and Bridesmaid bouquets (if Bride's parents not paying for them)
- Bouquet for both mothers (this cost can also be allocated to both the Bride and the Groom)
- Buttonholes for himself, Best Man and Ushers
- Corsages for both mothers
- Honeymoon (this cost can also be allocated to both the Bride and the Groom)
- Gifts for the Groom's Wedding attendants (this cost can also be allocated to both the Bride and the Groom)
- Going-away outfit
- Transportation for himself and his new wife away from the Wedding reception
- Wedding night venue
The Bride and Groom
- Gifts for the parents, Best Man and Wedding attendants
- The Honeymoon
- Any additional expenses which have exceeded the original Wedding budget