andrewmoquin

Planning a wedding can be sensitive when it comes to the subject of money. We all know that weddings cost money. How much money varies between couples. Are you planning a simple garden ceremony, or a huge reception with a cast of hundreds? Traditionally, most weddings were usually paid for in a predetermined wedding formula. However, contemporary weddings now often have very different financial contributions.

It may be helpful to remember that in these enlightened times, more than half of all lucky couples are paying for the whole big day themselves. If you are financially fortunate enough to have others offering to contribute to your wedding budget why not consider some of these modern day wedding payment options of who pays for what:

The Groom.
* his outfit.
* the engagement rings and wedding rings.
* the marriage license and any other marriage celebrant fees.
* the honeymoon.
* wedding night accommodation.
* thank you gifts for the male attendants.
* wedding gift for bride (optional).

The Bride.
* her outfit.
* bridesmaid's thank you gifts.

The Bride's Family.
* wedding invitations.
* the flowers.
* wedding location fees, eg: church or temple donations.
* the wedding reception, excluding the drinks.
* decorations for wedding ceremony and reception.
* the wedding photography.
* the wedding planner.
* the wedding transport for bridal party.
* any music or entertainment at the reception.
* the wedding cake.

The Groom's Family.
* drinks and alcohol at wedding reception.
* rehearsal dinner.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen.
* their outfits for the big day.
* the bachelor party and bridal shower.

However many couples nowadays opt for the groom's family to pay for the cars, the alcohol, the photography, and the music or entertainment at the wedding reception. The bride's family in these instances would pay for the invitations, flowers, wedding planner, wedding ceremony fees, and the wedding reception.

Many modern families opt to split the wedding bill in half, leaving the bride to pay for her dress, and the couple, or groom, to pay for the rings and the honeymoon. Generally, wedding guests are expected to pay for their own travel and accommodation costs, even for destination weddings.

Unless you come from a highly traditional and conservative family, there are really no clear cut wedding protocol rules for the wedding budget anymore. Planning a wedding can be a sensitive time, especially with the issues of money and costs. All wedding contributions should be received graciously and gratefully. Just remember, brides and grooms who entirely pay for their own nuptials are now in the majority.

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“Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.”

“Marriage is a three ring circus: engagement rings, wedding rings and sufferings.”