These days, weddings follow less of the old traditions, in favour of couples paving their own way. Family circumstances and finances are taken into account, and there are no hard and fast rules as to who pays.
Today we are sharing with you first the traditional ways of the past, as well as what is typical of today in relation to who foots the bill for weddings. At the end of the day, everyone's circumstances are different, but this is an interesting look at how things would transpire in times gone by.
Gorgeous images by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Chesterton Smith Photography.
WHO PAYS TRADITIONALLY
THE GROOM
Engagement ring
Bride’s wedding band
Rehearsal dinner
Transportation
Celebrant or Officiant
Ceremony – decorations, music and venue
Bride’s bouquet
Groomsmen’s gifts
Pageboy’s suit and accessories
Gift for his bride
Wedding night accommodation
Honeymoon
THE BRIDE
Bride’s hair and makeup
Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup
Bridesmaids’ gifts
Flowergirl’s dress and accessories
Groom’s wedding band
Gift for her groom
BRIDE AND GROOM
Wedding planner
Pre-marital counselling
Bombonnieres
Photographic prints for thank you presents and copies of video for family and thank you cards for wedding guests
Honeymoon spending money
THE BRIDE’S FAMILY
Newspaper announcement (a very cute tradition we think more should pay hommage to!)
Save the date cards, invitations and reply cards
Bride’s gown, veil, shoes and any accessories
Photographer’s fee
Videographer’s fee
Reception venue and decorations
Reception catering and drinks bar
Reception entertainment/music
Wedding cake
Thank you cards
THE GROOM’S FAMILY
Ceremony flowers
Bridesmaids bouquets
Groom’s and groomsmen’s boutonnieres
THE WEDDING PARTY
Own attire and accessories
Hen’s Night and Buck’s Nights
Wedding Shower
Gifts for the Bride and Groom
WHO PAYS FOR WHAT – A MODERN VARIATION
Nowadays, there are many variables that are taken into account when figuring out who pays for what. Firstly, whether the couple have been living together for sometime, as this identifies the couple as a unit financially and therefore they will often take the bulk of the responsibility of the wedding costs, with families from both sides contributing what they can.
The financial position of the couple, and each side of the family, and any broken family situations are all considered in modern weddings. Below is an example of how many modern couples approach the who pays issue, while maintaining a level of tradition.
THE GROOM
Engagement ring
BRIDE AND GROOM
Wedding bands
Gifts for the wedding party
Bride’s hair and makeup
Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup
Bride’s gown, shoes and accessories
Suit hire for the groom
Brides and bridesmaids bouquets
Corsages and boutonnieres for wedding party and parents
Celebrant and ceremony fees
Transportation
Invitations, place settings, thank you cards, and any other stationery (eg. menus, save the date cards etc.)
Photographer and Videographer
Wedding cake
Bonbonnieres
THE BRIDE’S FAMILY
Newspaper announcement
Reception venue and food
Ceremony and reception flowers
THE GROOM’S FAMILY
Reception beverages
A contribution to other expenses incurred by the bride and groom or the bride’s family
THE WEDDING PARTY
Own attire and accessories
Hen’s Night and Buck’s Nights
Wedding Shower
Gifts for the Bride and Groom
TRADITION IS OUT THE WINDOW
When it comes to paying for weddings, tradition really has gone by the wayside. There are no rules to follow, only fairness and personal circumstance to be taken into account. These days, the most practical thing to do is sit down with your families, either separately or together, find out what everyone can afford to contribute, and set in place a firm budget from there.
You can use our handy budget planning tools to get you started on the right track.
