WHO PAYS THE BILLS?
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 everyone's financial situation into consideration.
TRADITIONAL
The Bride
Groom's wedding ring Gifts for the groom and bridal Party.
Bonbonniere, Wedding Favour
The Groom
The bride's wedding ring A wedding gift for the bride.
Gifts for the best man and groomsmen. Suit hire for himself
Celebrant & ceremony fees The Honeymoon
The Bride's Family
Newspaper announcement The Reception
Bridal Gown & accessories A wedding gift for the bride and groom.
Wedding invitations Ceremony & Reception flowers
Photographer Wedding cake
The Groom's Family
Wedding gift for the bride and groom Any general expenses they may wish to contribute.
The Wedding Party
Bride's maids dresses Hens 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 who helped with your wedding.
MODERN
The Bride and Groom
Bide and Groom's wedding ring Gifts for the bridal attendants.
Gifts for the best man and groomsmen Suit hire for the groom
Celebrant & ceremony fees Wedding invitations
Photographer Wedding cake
Gifts of appreciation Wedding Cars
Bonbonniere, wedding favour Bridal Gown & accessories
The honeymoon Bride's & bridesmaid's bouquets, the corsages & boutonnieres.
The Bride's Family
Newspaper announcement The Reception Venue and Food
Ceremony & Reception flowers
The Groom's Family
Wedding gift for the bride and groom The Reception Beverages
Any general expenses they may wish to contribute.
The Wedding Party
Bride’s maids dresses, shoes etc Groomsmen’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
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