So, who does pay for what?

While you were deciding on your wedding budget, you might have had the discussion with your parents and soon-to-be inlaws about who is able and willing to pay for what for your wedding. While the bride's family pays-for-it-all scenario may still hold true, these days bill-paying tends to be more equitably shared among parents and the couple. Here is a quick rundown of who's more likely to pay for what today:

Pre-Wedding Parties
Traditional:
The bride's family covers the first engagement party (the groom's side can throw one of its own); his side pays for the rehearsal dinner.

Modern:
Each family may throw an engagement party (the bride's family can host the first one, if it likes); anyone can host the rehearsal dinner-even an aunt.

Stationery
Traditional:
The bride's family pays fore very invitation, program, and place card-and even the stamps.

Modern:
The couple can pick up the tab, maybe choosing to DIY the save-the-dates or invites to save money.

Ceremony
Traditional:
The bride's parents take care of the music, venue fee, and aisle runner. The groom covers the marriage license and the officiant's fee.

Modern:
If the wedding is being performed at one family's house of worship,, that family covers the ceremony costs. Otherwise, anyone can pay.

Flowers
Traditional:
The bride's family pays for the big-ticket items like centerpieces. The groom's side springs for the bride's bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages.

Modern:
All the flowers are paid for together, by the bride's or groom's side, or the couple themselves.

Photo/Video
Traditional:
The bride's family pays to document the occasion.

Modern:
One family pays for the photos for the video Or the couple hire the photog, and the families each buy their own prints and albums.

Reception
Traditional:
You guessed it: The bride's family picks up the entire tab-food drink, decor, and music.

Modern:
The groom's family covers specifics like liquor or music; the bride's family pays for the rest. Better: Everyone pitches in according to what they can do.


So, let's hope everyone is on the same page and comfortable so you can start planning!