Who pays?

As a professional planning service, one of the first topics that most couples are concerned about is proper etiquette. Going further from there, proper etiquette relating to who pays for what. Nowadays, there are so many couples that pay for the complete wedding themselves or have a sponsor (family member) offer to help towards the expenses. I still swear by the old fashioned rule of thumb that is written in the 'Emily Post Book of Etiquette' but the following site bullet points the basics IF you are thinking of sharing the costs. Costs should be discussed with everyone present and agreed upon in advance. NEVER assume this just happens.

Traditional Breakdown of Expenses Printable version - click here Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories The Bride's Family Wedding Ring for Bride The Groom Wedding Ring for Groom The Bride Wedding Gift for Groom The Bride Wedding Gift for Bride The Groom Bridesmaid Gifts The Bride Groomsmen/Usher Gifts The Groom Bride's Bouquet The Groom Bridesmaid Bouquets The Bride's Family Mother's Corsages The Groom Grandmother Corsages The Bride's Family Groom's Boutonniere The Groom Groomsmen Boutonnieres The Groom Usher's Boutonnieres The Groom Ceremony/Reception Flowers The Bride's Family Altar Baskets/Arches The Bride's Family Canopy/Carpet The Bride's Family Kneeling Bench/Candleabrahs The Bride's Family Rented Items for Wedding The Bride's Family Rented Items for Reception The Bride's Family Invitations/Announcements The Bride's Family Wedding Programs The Bride's Family Napkins/Matches/Printed Items The Bride's Family Marriage License The Groom Medical Visit for Bride The Bride Medical Visit for Groom The Groom Church Fee The Bride's Family Clergyman/Officiant Fee The Groom Musician/Soloist The Bride's Family Church Janitor The Bride's Family Reception Hall Fee The Bride's Family Catered Reception/Professional Services The Bride's Family Wedding Photography The Bride's Family Video Photography The Bride's Family Orchestra/Band/DJ The Bride's Family Wedding Cake The Bride's Family Wedding Favors The Bride's Family Groom's Cake The Groom's Family Rice Bags The Bride's Family Rehearsal Dinner The Grooms Family Bridesmaid Luncheon The Bride Bachelor Party Best Man/Groom's Attendants Wedding Breakfast The Bride's Family Bridal Brunch The Bride's Family Bridesmaid's Gowns Bridesmaid's Maid of Honor Gown Maid of Honor Matron of Honor Gown Matron of Honor Best Man Formal Wear Best Man Usher's Formal Wear Ushers Groomsmen's Formal Wear Groomsmen Gloves/Ties/Ascots for Attendants The Groom Father of Bride Formal Wear Bride's Family Father of Groom Formal Wear Groom's Family Children's Formal Wear The Children's Parents Limousine Service The Groom Honeymoon Arrangements The Groom Travel Expenses to the Wedding The Out-of-town Attendant or Family Member Accommodations for out-of town Guests The Bride Gifts for the Couple Guest, Attendants and Family