Splitting wedding costs can be tricky, but Wed&Done is here to simplify the process! From tradition to modern takes, here’s a breakdown of who usually pays for what—plus some expert tips on making it all work smoothly.
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Traditional Etiquette: Who Pays for What at a Wedding?
While modern couples tend to split the costs or pay for everything themselves, it’s interesting to look at traditional wedding etiquette. Back in the day, the bride’s family would typically pay for most of the wedding, while the groom’s family had a few specific duties. But as weddings have evolved, so has the division of finances.
Three Common Payment Scenarios Today:
- The couple splits the costs. This is more popular than ever as couples get married later and are often more financially stable.
- The families contribute equally. Many couples ask their parents to chip in, dividing expenses between both sides.
- Crowdfunding & Honeymoon Funds. Some modern couples skip traditional gifts and opt for contributions toward the wedding or honeymoon, letting guests be part of the fun.
Whatever route you go, Wed&Done can streamline the budgeting process by giving you a clear overview of all your costs, broken down by venue, vendors, and extras. You’ll see exactly what’s included and avoid any surprises down the road.
Traditional Breakdown of Costs: Who Pays for What?
The Bride’s Family
Traditionally, the bride’s family footed most of the wedding bill, covering big-ticket items like the venue, photographer, and the wedding planner.
Expenses Traditionally Covered by the Bride’s Family:
- The wedding dress (yes, that includes the veil and accessories!)
- Invitations, save-the-dates, and all wedding programs
- Photography and videography
- Wedding planner or coordinator
- Reception and ceremony venue fees
- Flowers and decor
- The wedding cake
- Bridesmaid accommodation and transportation
Today’s Take: Most couples and families now share costs, and the bride’s family may just contribute to certain key expenses. Wed&Done helps make this transition smoother with our budgeting tool, which makes it easy for everyone to see what’s being spent and where they can chip in. No more awkward “Who’s paying for what?” conversations!
The Groom’s Family
Traditionally, the groom’s family has a smaller financial role. But they still cover some important costs, like the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.
Expenses Traditionally Covered by the Groom’s Family:
- The rehearsal dinner (venue, food, drinks, and decor)
- Marriage license and officiant fee
- Transportation and accommodation for the groomsmen
- The bride’s bouquet and boutonnieres
- Music or DJ for the reception
- Alcohol for the reception
Today’s Take: The groom’s family might not cover all of these items, but they often contribute to some, depending on the family dynamic. Wed&Done keeps everything transparent with an easily shareable budget that can be accessed by both families—so everyone knows where they’re pitching in!
The Couple Themselves
Nowadays, many couples are choosing to cover the bulk of wedding expenses themselves—especially as more couples get married later in life and have stable careers.
Expenses Traditionally Covered by the Bride:
- The groom’s wedding band
- Bridesmaid gifts
- Hair and makeup
Expenses Traditionally Covered by the Groom:
- The engagement ring and the bride’s wedding band
- His attire
- Groomsmen gifts
Today’s Take: Splitting the costs as a couple is becoming the norm. Wed&Done makes this even easier by helping couples keep track of all expenses, from bands to bands (yes, both the wedding bands and the music!). Plus, you can see everything in one place, so managing the money doesn’t feel overwhelming.
A Modern Take: Flexibility and Communication are Key
In today’s weddings, flexibility is the name of the game. While traditional etiquette is interesting to explore, most couples now decide what works best for their unique situation. With the support of Wed&Done, you can seamlessly manage your wedding expenses and coordinate with both sides of the family—without the headaches.
Tips for a Smooth Budgeting Process:
- Start with a clear conversation: Before booking anything, sit down with your families and talk about the budget. What are they willing to contribute? Do they want control over certain elements?
- Plan for flexibility: Wed&Done’s budgeting tool ensures that you can adjust on the fly, whether you’re adding in extra floral arrangements or cutting back on catering.
- Communicate clearly: Keep everyone in the loop with easy-to-share financial breakdowns via Wed&Done’s platform. That way, there’s no room for confusion!
Wedding Planning Made Easy with Wed&Done
Splitting wedding expenses doesn’t have to be stressful. With the help of Wed&Done, you can create a clear, flexible budget that works for everyone. Whether you’re going the traditional route or breaking away from old norms, our platform helps you stay organized, connected, and focused on the fun part: your wedding day!