The considerable cost involved in a wedding – and how to divide it – can be a contentious topic.
While traditionally the bride’s parents have been expected to foot the bill for the entire bash, modern ceremonies can see everyone from the grandparents to the guests chipping in.
But now the experts at Martha Stewart Weddings have shared their definitive guide to who should pay for what – and while they say today’s couples should now pay for the majority of the event themselves, there are still certain traditions that should be observed when it comes to money.
The experts at Martha Stewart Weddings have revealed who should really pay for what at your wedding (and the bride’s family are in for a BIG bill)
WHAT THE BRIDE’S FAMILY PAY FOR
The engagement party: While the experts say that an engagement party isn’t a necessity, they acknowledge it’s a good way to welcome the groom and get future wedding guests mingling. They say that the bride’s parents should cover this cost.
The engagement announcement: Another traditional part of the celebrations is announcing the engagement in the local newspaper. The bride’s parents should cover the costs of this – and ask the groom’s parents whether they’d like the news announced in their hometown, too.
Also the responsibility of the bride’s family are: wedding planning expenses, the bride’s attire, floral arrangements, transportation on the wedding day, photo and video fees, travel and lodgings for the officiant, accommodation for the bridesmaids, and all the expenses of the reception.
The wedding reception: The experts say that this is the main responsibility of the bride’s parents. ‘Traditionally, their names have historically gone at the top of the invitations, and they play a special role at the reception of making guests feel welcome and ensuring that everything runs smoothly,’ they write.
WHAT THE BRIDE PAYS FOR
The bridesmaids’ flowers and gifts, the groom’s ring: The experts believe that the bride should personally cover the cost of the wedding flowers, dresses and gifts for her bridesmaids, as well as the groom’s ring, and a present for him.
WHAT THE GROOM PAYS FOR
The ushers’ outfits, the marriage licence, the bride’s ring, the honeymoon: The groom should foot the bill for his usher’s outfits, the marriage license, as well as a ring and present for his wife-to-be. The site also notes that the honeymoon should be paid for by the groom as the new head of the household.
WHAT THE GROOM’S FAMILY PAY FOR
Family flowers, ushers’ accommodation: The experts believe that the groom’s family should cover the entire immediate family’s corsages and boutonnieres, the ushers’ accommodation, and should also chip in towards the rehearsal dinner.