When planning a wedding, the etiquette question who pays for what is often asked. In some cases a family tradition is already in place, but if not this etiquette guide should help you plan, who's paying for what? With weddings in Australia costing an average of around $30,000 it's no wonder, who pays for what, is such a pressing question. Whoever pays, they will need a little more than their piggy bank to pay for it.
In traditional weddings the parents of the bride took more of a roll in paying for the wedding, where as in modern weddings the bride and groom contribute more. This change in trend is likely to have occurred because it is not often the bride lives at home until she is married any more and often is living with her future husband.
The lists below are to help you get started and are not a hard and fast rule.It is important when planning a wedding to take every ones financial situation into consideration.
TRADITIONAL
The Bride Groom's wedding ringGifts for the groom and bridal Party. Bonbonniere, Wedding Favour
The Groom The bride's wedding ringA wedding gift for the bride. Gifts for the best man and groomsmen.Suit hire for himself Celebrant & ceremony feesThe Honeymoon
The Bride's Family Newspaper announcementThe Reception Bridal Gown & accessoriesA wedding gift for the bride and groom. Wedding invitationsCeremony & Reception flowers PhotographerWedding cake
The Groom's Family Wedding gift for the bride and groomAny general expenses they may wish to contribute.
The Wedding Party Bride's maids dressesHens night given by maid of honour or bridesmaids. Bucks night given by best man or groomsmen.
The Bride and Groom Gifts of appreciation for those whohelped with your wedding.
MODERN
The Bride and Groom Bide and Groom's wedding ringGifts for the bridal attendants. Gifts for the best man and groomsmenSuit hire for the groom Celebrant & ceremony feesWedding invitations PhotographerWedding cake Gifts of appreciation Wedding Cars Bonbonniere, wedding favourBridal Gown & accessories The honeymoonBride's & bridesmaid's bouquets, the corsages & boutonnieres.
The Bride's Family Newspaper announcementThe Reception Venue and Food Ceremony & Reception flowers
The Groom's Family Wedding gift for the bride and groomThe Reception Beverages Any general expenses they may wish to contribute.
The Wedding Party Bride’s maids dresses, shoes etcGroomsmen’s Suits, shoes etc Hens night given by maid of honour or bridesmaids. Bucks night given by best man or groomsmen.
Traditional Breakdown of all Expenses
Wedding Gown/Headpiece/Accessories The Bride's Family
Wedding Ring for Bride The Groom Wedding Ring for Groom The Bride
Wedding Gift for Groom The Bride Wedding Gift for Bride The Groom Bridesmaid Gifts The Bride Groomsmen/Usher Gifts The Groom
Bride's Bouquet The Groom Bridesmaid Bouquets The Bride's Family Mother's Corsages The Groom Grandmother Corsages The Bride's Family Groom's Boutonniere The Groom Groomsmen Boutonnieres The Groom Usher's Boutonnieres The Groom Ceremony/Reception Flowers The Bride's Family
Alter Baskets/Arches The Bride's Family Canopy/Carpet The Bride's Family Kneeling Bench/Candleabrahs The Bride's Family Rented Items for Wedding The Bride's Family Rented Items for Reception The Bride's Family
Invitations/Announcements The Bride's Family Wedding Programs The Bride's Family Napkins/Matches/Printed Items The Bride's Family
Marriage License The Groom Medical Visit for Bride The Bride Medical Visit for Groom The Groom
Church Fee The Bride's Family Clergyman/Officiant Fee The Groom Musician/Soloist The Bride's Family Church Janitor The Bride's Family Reception Hall Fee The Bride's Family Catered Reception/Professional Services The Bride's Family
Wedding Photography The Bride's Family Video Photography The Bride's Family Orchestra/Band/DJ The Bride's Family
Wedding Bonbonniere The Bride's Family Groom's Cake The Groom's Family Rice Bags The Bride's Family
Rehearsal Dinner The Grooms Family Bridesmaid Luncheon The Bride Bachelor Party Best Man/Groom's Attendants Wedding Breakfast The Bride's Family Bridal Brunch The Bride's Family
Bridesmaid's Gowns Bridesmaid's Maid of Honor Gown Maid of Honor Matron of Honor Gown Matron of Honor Best Man Formal Wear Best Man Usher's Formal Wear Ushers Groomsmen's Formal Wear Groomsmen Gloves/Ties/Ascots for Attendants The Groom
Father of Bride Formal Wear Bride's Family Father of Groom Formal Wear Groom's Family Children's Formal Wear The Children's Parents
Limousine Service The Groom Honeymoon Arrangements The Groom Travel Expenses to the Wedding The Out-of-town Attendant or Family Member Accommodations for out-of town Guests The Bride or out-of-town guests Gifts for the Couple Guests, Attendants and Family
