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Ask Rashana: Who Pays For What?


Dear Rashana,
As I begin planning my wedding, I'm most concerned about who's going to pay for what.  Many of my friends paid for their weddings themselves, with little to no help from their families.  However, our parents have offered to help with our wedding.  I know a lot has changed over the years where weddings are concerned, but traditionally what does the bride's family usually take care of and where does the groom's family come in?

- Toward Tradition

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Dear Toward Tradition,
You're right...who pays for the wedding has changed over the years.  But traditionally, the following should provide you with some guidelines:

THE BRIDE &  THE BRIDE'S FAMILY
  • Engagement Party
  • Reception (including caterer, food, wedding cake, beverages, entertainment, decor, etc)
  • Church (officiant, musicians, decor, etc)
  • Flowers (for bridesmaids, flower girl, church, reception)
  • Groom's wedding ring
  • Invitations
  • Photography
  • Videography
  • Transportation (for wedding party)
  • Brides gown and accessories
  • Couple's toasting glasses/flutes
  • Wedding Consultant/Planner
  • Bridesmaid gifts
  • All rental equipment

THE GROOM &  THE GROOM'S FAMILY
  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Bride's engagement and wedding ring
  • Groom's cake
  • Flowers (bride's bouquet, corsages for mothers, boutonnieres)
  • Transportation (for bride and groom)
  • Marriage license
  • Groomsmen gifts
  • Honeymoon
Hope this helps!
(photo above courtesy of Atlanta Wedding Info)
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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

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