Today, tradition does not have much to do with wedding budgets any longer. For the past couple of decades, the rule of thumb that the bride’s parents flip the bill for the wedding reception has been an archaic notion. Now, the wedding budget is split in so many different ways, that it’s hard to keep up and honestly, the mentality is that anything goes. If it works for all of you, then go for it. But, if you’d like to know, traditionally, who pays for what, then read on and it will give you a general idea of what weddings in the past followed, right down to your affordable wedding favors.

As was said, the Bride’s parents normally pay for the wedding. This includes the flowers, music, food, photographer and transportation. Anything to do with the wedding ceremony or reception was taken care of by them. Even if you’re having an autumn wedding you will want to know who pays for your autumn wedding favors.

photo credit: NickNguyen

The Groom’s parents traditionally would pay for the rehearsal dinner and hotel rooms for any of their guests coming in from out of town. Obviously, today, this list could get much longer depending on their financial status and willingness to help out monetarily and will include your favors even if they are edible wedding favors.

The bridal party are responsible for their own formal wear for that day including shoes, jewelry, gloves and whatever else the bride decides she wants them to wear. Also, the bridesmaids would give the lucky lady a bridal shower as well as a bachelorette party. The groomsmen would give a bachelor party for the groom. Many times, the bridal party will also combine their money and give the betrothed couple a group gift.

The Bride and Groom traditionally are only responsible for their rings for each other as well as their thank you gifts for their attendants. Also, they are to pay for their mandatory blood tests as well as marriage license, their honeymoon, the bride’s gown and the groom’s suit or tuxedo.

Again, please remember, this is traditionally how the cost of the day is split up. Today, and for many years now, the financial obligations seem to have shifted more to the Bride and Groom. One of the reasons for this is because the age people are getting married is much older than a couple of decades ago, so the couple is more established in their lives. But whatever works for the families of the Bride and Groom is fine. Just remember that if all goes well, you will be part of each others families for many years to come. Finances should not cause any issues when the joining of lives is happening such as on your special wedding day.

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