Traditionally the cost of the wedding was split between the bride's parents and the groom. As women have become more independent and financially secure, the current trend is for the bride and groom to pay for as much as they can, with help from both families as and when appropriate. This can vary greatly as to each person's financial status and the requirements of the wedding itself, but if you're interested in what traditional wedding etiquette dictates, this is what each person would traditionally pay for...
The bride's family
- The wedding dress
- The bridal accessories, including veil, shoes and jewellery
- The transportation to the ceremony for the bridal party (the bride and her father, the mother of the bride and bridesmaids)
- The transportation to the reception for the bride and groom
- Ribbons on the wedding car
- Photography and videography
- The flowers for the church and reception
- The bride's and bridesmaids' bouquets
- The buttonholes
- Reception venue hire
- The reception decor
- The toastmaster
- The wedding cake
- The wedding catering
- The favours
- The drinks
- The evening entertainment
- All wedding stationery, including postage
- The engagement party
- The cost of the wedding planner, if using
- Wedding insurance
- Newspaper engagement announcement
- Accommodation for close family
The groom
- The groom's suit and accessories
- The best man and ushers' suits
- The transportation to the ceremony for the groom and best man
- The transportation from the reception for the bride and groom
- The ceremony fees
- The hire of the church, including organist, bell-ringers etc
- The cost of the register office, or other venue fees
- The honeymoon, including passports and visas, any jabs, flights and accommodation
- Engagement and wedding rings for the bride
- Presents for the ushers, bridesmaids and best man
- The wedding night hotel
The bride
- Something new and something blue to go with her something old and something borrowed.
- Hair and makeup trials and on the day
- The groom's wedding ring
- With groom, the presents for the parents