Most couples prefer to pay for their weddings these days. There are however traditions surrounding payment of certain items in a wedding. Below are some interesting facts outlining who pays for what in a wedding.
- Wedding Ceremony
- Did you know that traditionally, the bride’s family is supposed to pay for the entire ceremony? This obligation includes flowers, photos and video, and refreshments at the reception.
- Families with many girls, therefore, started saving for their daughters’ weddings very early in anticipation of future expenses.
- Rings
- Traditionally, the groom pays for the bride’s betrothal and wedding rings, and the bride pays for the groom’s ring. The exchange of rings symbolizes the gift of commitment.
- In contrast, present-day couples pool their resources to buy their rings.
- Wedding Attire
- Presently, the bride and groom pay for their attire. Previously, the bride’s parents paid for her attire, especially if she was young and financially unstable.
- Bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for their clothes, shoes, jewelry and makeup.
- Flowers
- The bride’s family traditionally pays for all the flower arrangements for the ceremony, as well as corsages for the flower girls and bouquets for the bridesmaids.
- The groom and his family pay for the bride’s bouquet, the groomsmen’s boutonnières and corsages for both mothers and grandmothers.
- Legalities
- Legal requirements are the groom’s responsibility. It is up to him to pay for the officiant’s fees and the marriage license. After all, he is now the head of the home.
- Accommodation
- Presently, members of the bridal party make their sleeping arrangements, with some opting to travel on the day of the wedding. Traditionally, however, the bride’s family handles accommodation for the bridal party, immediate family members, and the officiant.
- The groom’s family arranges for accommodation for their immediate family members and the groomsmen.
- Bridal Shower
- The host of the bridal shower, the maid of honor, pays for this function with the help of the bridesmaids and close friends. This party is the bride’s last opportunity to be spoilt by her friends.
- Transport
- Transportation arrangements are presently handled by the bride and groom’s close family and friends. Some couples prefer to hire limousines for themselves, though.
- In contrast, traditional practice is for the bride’s family to pay for all the wedding transportation, including that of the officiant.
- Invites
- In the past, the bride’s family would handle the invites, as they were eager to make a good impression on the guests. Currently, most couples prefer to print their cards, giving their parents’ names prominence.
- Honeymoon
- Though most modern-day couples prefer to save together for the honeymoon, it makes more sense for the groom to pay for the honeymoon. That way, the groom shows his ability to take care of his new home by treating his bride well from the start.
There is much to contrast between the traditional and modern way of financing a wedding. See which of these practices work for you, as you avoid putting stress on your extended family. Remember, also, that your friends would gladly help you pay for some things. Good luck!