who pays for what?

now that it's 2011, are the "traditional" terms still in play? each couple is different, each wedding is different. some couples pay for the entire celebration themselves, while some are completely financially backed by the parents (either the bride's, groom's or both). there are few events that are still 100% on the bride's father. so let's take a look at the more "updated" traditional route, and you can feel free to make alterations that best fit your circumstance and budget.

even among the high-end clientele, no one has a money tree growing on their estate. nor are they careless enough to use money to blow their nose or wipe their... well, you get the point. so let's take a look at the most common way the budget is handled nowadays, and who pays for what.

the groom's family:

father of the groom's formal wear; the groom's cake; and the rehearsal dinner.

the bride's family:

wedding gown, headpiece and veil; bridesmaids' bouquets; grandmother corsages; ceremony and reception flowers; altar flowers; arch; canopy; arch; chuppah; kneeling bench; candelabras; rental items for the ceremony; rental items for the reception; invitations; announcements; wedding programs; favors; church fee; musician/soloist; ceremony site fees; reception site fees; catered reception fees; photography; videography; orchestra, band and/or disc jockey; wedding cake; wedding breakfast and/or bridal brunch; and father of the bride's formal wear.

the groom:

wedding ring for the bride; wedding gift for the groom; groomsmen/usher gifts; bride's bouquet; mothers' corsages; boutonnieres for groom, groomsmen, and ushers; the marriage license; medical visit for the groom (if necessary, or required by state); clergyman/officiant fee; gloves, ties or ascots for the groomsmen; honeymoon; and limousine service.

the bride:

wedding ring for the groom; wedding gift for the groom; bridesmaid gifts; bridesmaid luncheon; accommodations for out of town guests; and medical visit for the bride (if necessary, or required by the state).

attendants:

attire (gowns and tuxedos); the bachelor party; the bachelorette party; gift for the wedding couple; and travel expenses to the wedding.

guests:

travel to wedding; and gift for the wedding couple.

again, you're not obligated to budget according to this list. the best thing to do is to take a look at the overall budget and sit down with everyone who's contributing. once the budget has been established then you can determine how many guests you can accommodate, the type of location to look for, etc.

does your wedding budget not fit this description? are there cultural factors you'd like to include? or perhaps you need a mediator because a financial contributor is now trying to take over? contact us today and a signature event team member can assist you.