Don't let Money Become an Issue

Don't Let Money Become an Issue

The bottom line when planning a wedding is the money. Weddings are expensive, with the budget for the average wedding at approximately $20,000 depending on which survey you look at. Wedding gowns can run five figures, and you can pay $150-$200 per-guest in some big-budget areas. Weddings are expensive and yes more than a few couples have been tempted to elope and use that cash to make a down payment on a nice house. It is just as tempting to "keep up with the Jones's" and to go all out with the ceremony, reception and honeymoon. So the key is be realistic, stay with what you value most and be able to live with yourself afterwards.

Everyone bride and groom knows their wedding dream comes with a price tag. Some choose smaller guest lists to lower the cost, and some pick a destination wedding with a few intimate friends. Others slice and dice their wedding too much and live to regret it. Then there are the fortunate among us where money is no problem. Either way good planning can save you money and headaches. 

No matter how much or how little you have to spend there is really no getting around the issue of money. There is also certain things that must to be in the ceremony and will be an expense, such as the rehearsal dinner, officiant, the wedding gown, special music, the reception, you get the gist I'm sure so let's look at the rules of each families responsibilities according to tradition.

Things have changed a little in the last few decades. It used to be the brides family payed for nearly everything. Now it is acceptable for the expenses to be more evenly divided and some if not most weddings are customized to fit the needs and desires of the bride and groom.

Basically the rules are changing dramatically and as you might guess so are the costs.

Tthe following is a traditional list of who is responsible for what. Keep in mind these are not etched in stone so feel free follow it or just use it as a guideline. 

What the Bride pays for: 

Groom's wedding ring

Groom's gift

Bridal attendants' gifts

Accommodations for the traveling bridal party members

 

What the Groom pays for:

Brides engagement ring

Brides wedding ring

Brides wedding gift

His own wedding day wardrobe

Gifts for the male attendant

Brides bouquet

Corsages for mothers

Marriage license

Officiant fee

Honeymoon

 

What the Brides Family pays for:

Wedding coordinator

Ceremony cost

Entire cost of reception (catering, cake,entertainment, beverages, etc)

Brides attire

Wedding gift

Wedding announcements and invitations (including postage)

Bouquets for bridesmaids

Photography and /or videography

Favors

 

What the Groom's famly pays for:

Rehearsal expenses

Rehearsal dinner

 

This is the traditional structure of how each party pays for their part of the wedding.

Just keep in mind who pays for what is very flexible and very well might depend on who has the money. Remember to be polite, grateful and smile a lot, because the wedding is just the beginning of a life together.

By Bob Ragman. For a free e-book and video goto