Sharing Expenses

Sharing Expenses

Wedding are supposed to be the most joyous of occasions. Don't let money turn a splendid day into a nightmare for anyone involved.

It's tradition that the bride's family takes responsibility for almost all wedding expenses. But things are changing; today, tradition is often bent according to who is willing or able to pay.
Not only are more grooms' families footing a larger chunk of wedding costs, but the bride and groom are taking on more responsibility-from chipping in on items to paying for the whole event.
Although it isn't terribly romantic, discussing a budget at the outset-then sticking to it like glue-can help you steer clear of runaway spending. It won't be a true celebration if it strains your pocketbook or that of someone you love.
Here are traditional guidelines for wedding expenses. Remember, they are only guidelines. Adapt them to the financial situations of you and your families.

The Bride
1. The groom's wedding ring.
2. A wedding present for the groom (an optional exchange).
3. Gifts for her bridal attendants.
4. Personal stationery.
5. Accommodations for her out-of-town attendants with family, friends, or in hotels.
6. Her physical exam and blood test, if required.

The Groom
1. The bride's engagement and wedding rings.
2. A wedding gift for the bride.
3. The marriage license.
4. Gifts for his best man and ushers.
5. The bride's bouquet, her going-away corsage; corsages for both mothers; boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party, ushers, and both fathers.
6. Accommodations for out-of-town best man and ushers.
7. His physical exam and blood test, if required.
8. Ties, ascots, and gloves for men in the wedding party.
9. The fee for the clergy or other officiant.
10. The honeymoon.

The Bride's Family
1. Invitations to the wedding and other wedding-related festivities, announcements, thank-you cards, and all postage costs.
2. The bride's gown, accessories, and trousseau.
3. The cost of the ceremony. This includes rental fees for the facility, fees for the organist, the soloists, or choir, the sexton (if applicable), the aisle carpets or canopies, the ceremony flowers, and any other decorations.
4. The reception, including rental of the facility, the catering, the cake, the beverages, the music, the flowers, and other decorations.
5. The photography and/or videography.
6. Bridesmaids' bouquets.
7. Gratuities to those parking cars or directing traffic.
8. Transportation for the bridal party from the bride's house to the ceremony and from the ceremony to the reception.
9. A bridesmaid's lunch.
10. A gift for the bride and groom. (The wedding may be that gift!)

The Groom's Family
1. Their clothes for the wedding.
2. Their own travel expenses and accommodations.
3. A gift for the couple.
4. The rehearsal dinner and any other expenses they want to share with the bride's family.

The Attendants
1. Ceremony clothes, including dresses, shoes, and accessories.
2. Travel expenses.
3. A gift for the couple.