| weddings |
Who Pays For What?
By Jesse Voyd Bottoms
The following is the traditional division for wedding expenses. Today, there are no rules in regards to financial responsibilities. The question these days of who pays for what boils down to who is most willing and able. It may be the bride and groom or either of their families. The key is to communicate and be realistic and courteous.
BRIDE & Her Family GROOM & His Family
©Wedding Gift for Groom ©Wedding Gift for Bride
©Wedding Ring for Groom ©Brides Wedding and
©Gifts for Attendants Engagement Ring
©Personal Stationery ©Marriage License
©Lodging for Out-Of-Town Attendants ©Gifts for Best Man/Ushers
©Bridesmaids' Luncheon ©Bridal Bouquet and Going-©Reception Food and Drink Away Corsage
©Bride's Wedding Attire & Trousseau ©Boutonnieres for All Men in ©Invitations, Announcements & Postage Wedding Party
©Engagement & Wedding Photographs ©Mothers' Corsages
©Rental of Sanctuary or Chapel ©Lodging for Out-of-Town
©Organist, Soloist and Sexton Attendants
©Aisle Carpets and/or Canopy, Runner ©Fee for Clergy
And any additional Decorating Costs ©Honeymoon
©Bridesmaids' Bouquets ©Rehearsal Dinner
©Transportation for Bridal Party to ©Shipment of Wedding Gifts
Ceremony & Reception to the Couple's New Home
©Bridal Consultant ©Groom's Formalwear &
©Music Accessories
©Videography ©Wedding Cake
Wedding Budget
The percentages shown below are based on national averages of a $22,000 formal wedding. Some categories may not apply to you and your style of wedding. Some categories may not apply to you and your style of wedding; make adjustments where necessary.
% BUDGET ACTUAL
RINGS 15%
Engagement Ring ________ ________
Bride's Wedding Ring ________ ________
Groom's Wedding Band ________ ________
BRIDAL CONSULTANT 8%
Consultant ________ ________
CEREMONY 1.3%
Site Rental ________ ________
Clergy Fee ________ ________
Marriage License ________ ________
Musicians ________ ________
Flowers ________ ________
Decorations & Rentals ________ ________
RECEPTION 40%
Site Rental ________ ________
Food ________ ________
Beverage ________ ________
Music/Entertainment ________ ________
Flowers/Decorations & Rentals ________ ________
Dance Lessons ________ ________
WEDDING CAKE 2%
Cake ________ ________
Cake Topper ________ ________
Cake Knife ________ ________
Groom's Cake ________ ________
ATTIRE 6.5%
Gown ________ ________
Headpiece & Veil ________ ________
Alterations ________ ________
Shoes ________ ________
Stockings ________ ________
Lingerie ________ ________
Garter ________ ________
Jewelry ________ ________
Drycleaning/Preservation ________ ________
PHOTOGRAPHY 5.25%
Engagement/Announcement ________ ________
Photo ________ ________
Wedding Portrait ________ ________
Wedding Photographs ________ ________
Wedding Albums ________ ________
VIDEOGRAPHY 5.25%
Videotaping ________ ________
Editing ________ ________
Overtime ________ ________
FLOWERS 3.4%
Ceremony ________ ________
Reception ________ ________
Bride's Bouquet ________ ________
Attendants' Bouquets ________ ________
Boutonnieres ________ ________
WEDDING STATIONERY 2%
& ACCESSORIES
Invitations ________ ________
Announcements ________ ________
Wedding Programs ________ ________
Thank-You-Notes ________ ________
Maps ________ ________
Postage ________ ________
Napkins ________ ________
GROOM'S ATTIRE 1%
Tuxedo or Suit ________ ________
Shirt ________ ________
Tie ________ ________
Vest or Cummerbund ________ ________
Shoes ________ ________
Accessories ________ ________
Other ________ ________
GIFTS 1%
Attendants ________ ________
Gifts to Each Other ________ ________
TRANSPORTATION 1%
Limousine ________ ________
Valet Parking
Other ________ ________
REHEARSAL DINNER 2.5%
The Bride's Calendar
A year before the wedding is the perfect time to start planning the Big Day. The following checklist can be used to help you stay organized.
Eighteen t Twelve months away from the wedding, you should:
●Make appointment with your clergyman. Decide on a Wedding date.
●Discuss with your fiancée and family how much you want to spend.
●Assemble your wedding guest list in consultation with both families.
●Pick a reception venue and make the necessary reservations.
●Shop for the engagement ring.
●Consider working with a professional wedding planner.
Eight to Ten month before the Wedding:
●Shop for your wedding dress and veil. Several fitting are usually required.
●Select china, crystal and silverware patterns and register them in the Wedding Gift Registry at your favorite store.