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Weddings - Who Should Pay for What?

As everyone knows, getting married isn't cheap - the average cost of a wedding in the United States is now around $23,000. Traditionally, the bride's family has always paid for most of this - a custom that dates back to times when the bride's family would be expected to provide a dowry and to prove that they weren't just marrying their daughter off for money!

In recent years, this trend has changed - many couples are now marrying later in life and are financially in a better position to split up the wedding costs; many couples are marrying a second time and prefer to have a smaller and less expensive ceremony. It's easier to split up the costs if the wedding costs less - consider dispensing with some of the extras such as extra flowers and professional photography. It's also acceptable for both partners to ask their families what they can afford.

If you are planning a traditional wedding, the bride's family should pay for the cost of the wedding reception, including the cost of renting the venue as well as the food, music, entertainment and decorations. The bride's family is also responsible for the cost of the actual ceremony, as well as the cost of invitations, announcements and flowers - and not forgetting that most important item, the bride's wedding dress.

Under the traditional wedding, some of the costs are covered by the groom and his family such as the rehearsal dinner, including any invitations and entertainment. The average cost of the rehearsal dinner alone is around $1,000. The groom also pays for the marriage license and any fees, the wedding ring and a gift for his bride. The groom's family would also be responsible for the cost of their own travel and accommodation, as well as that of any groomsmen.

The groom traditionally pays for the honeymoon, although one way to lower the cost of this is to allow the wedding guests to pay for it. A honeymoon registry is similar to a bridal registry - the couple provides a wish list for their honeymoon, including airline tickets, accommodation, meals and other extras. Guests then purchase components of the honeymoon package, or contribute to the total cost of the trip.

Less significant costs are traditionally the responsibility of various other members of the wedding party. The all-important bachelor party is generally paid for by the best man, sometimes with help from the groom's attendants. The bridesmaids and maid of honor pay for their own gowns, as well as any bachelorette party. Any groomsmen and ushers are also responsible for the costs of their own formal wear.

Regardless of who pays for what, don't allow your wedding to cost more than you can comfortably afford - you shouldn't begin your life together broke!