Weddings are joyous, deeply personal occasions, but they can also be complex when it comes to planning and budgeting. One of the most common questions engaged couples and their families ask is: "Who traditionally pays for what?" While modern weddings often reflect more flexible arrangements, it's helpful to understand the traditional breakdown of expenses to use as a starting point.

In this guide, we’ll detail the traditional financial responsibilities of the bride’s family and the groom’s family, covering everything from the wedding dress to the honeymoon. We'll also share how Me To You Box can help you celebrate every step of the wedding journey—from engagement to the big day—with curated gift boxes for your bridal party, engagement gifts, wedding gifts, hotel turndown gifts, and more.

Traditional Breakdown of Wedding Expenses

Bride’s Family Traditionally Pays For:

1. Wedding Ceremony:

• Venue rental (e.g., church, garden, or chapel)

• Décor and flowers for the ceremony

• Music for the ceremony (organist, string quartet, etc.)

2. Wedding Reception:

• Reception venue rental

• Food and non-alcoholic beverages

• Décor and floral arrangements for tables and venue

• Cake

• Music and entertainment (DJ or live band)

• Rentals (tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware)

3. Bride’s Attire and Accessories:

• Wedding gown

• Veil

• Shoes and jewelry

• Hair and makeup services

4. Wedding Planner or Coordinator:

• Full-service wedding planner or day-of coordinator (if hired)

5. Invitations and Stationery:

• Save-the-date cards

• Wedding invitations and RSVP cards

• Wedding programs

• Seating and place cards

• Thank you notes

6. Photographer and Videographer:

• Professional wedding photographer

• Videographer (if desired)

7. Transportation for Bridal Party:

• Limos or transportation for bride, bridesmaids, and parents to and from ceremony/reception

8. Bridal Party Flowers and Personal Florals:

• Bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids

• Corsages for mothers and grandmothers

• Ceremony aisle florals and arch arrangements

9. Wedding Day Refreshments:

• Pre-wedding brunch or snacks for the bridal party

10. Engagement Party (Optional):

• If hosted by bride's family, they cover the venue, food, and drinks

Groom’s Family Traditionally Pays For:

1. Rehearsal Dinner:

• Venue

• Dinner and drinks

• Décor and entertainment (if any)

• Invitations (or digital invites)

2. Groom’s Attire:

• Tuxedo or suit

• Shoes and accessories

• Grooming (barber or stylist)

3. Marriage License and Officiant Fee:

• Cost of marriage license from the local government

• Payment or donation to the officiant

4. Honeymoon:

• Travel arrangements and accommodations

• Activities and excursions

5. Rings:

• Engagement ring (typically paid for by the groom himself)

• Wedding band for the bride

6. Boutonnieres and Corsages:

• Groom’s boutonniere

• Groomsmen boutonnieres

• Fathers and grandfathers’ boutonnieres

7. Transportation for Groom’s Party:

• Limo or car rental for the groom and groomsmen

8. Alcohol at the Reception:

• Bar service or alcohol package for the reception

• Champagne toast

9. Hotel Accommodations for Out-of-Town Guests (Optional):

• Sometimes offered by the groom’s family as a courtesy, especially for close family members

Shared or Miscellaneous Costs

Modern weddings often involve shared expenses between both families or contributions from the couple themselves. Some of the costs that are commonly split include:

• Wedding planner or coordinator

• Venue rental

• Photography and videography

• Transportation for guests

• Hair and makeup for the bridal party

• Wedding favors

• Additional décor and signage

In many cases, the couple may choose to pay for most or all expenses on their own, particularly in second marriages or when independence is a priority. It’s also not uncommon for parents of both the bride and groom to simply contribute a set amount and allow the couple to allocate it according to their needs.

Bridal Party Expenses

1. Bridal Party Attire:

• Traditionally, bridesmaids purchase their own dresses, shoes, and accessories

• Groomsmen typically rent or buy their own suits or tuxedos

2. Bridal Party Travel and Lodging:

• Members of the wedding party usually cover their own travel and hotel expenses unless otherwise offered

• Couples sometimes offer to cover accommodations for special circumstances

3. Gifts for the Bridal Party:

• The couple provides gift baskets to their bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone else in the wedding party as a thank you

• Gifts might include personalized items, keepsakes, jewelry, or curated gift boxes

Me To You Box at metoyoubox.com makes finding the perfect bridal party gifts effortless. Their handpicked gift selections for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and beyond reflect thoughtfulness and gratitude, making each recipient feel truly appreciated.

Wedding Gifts and Registries

While guests usually cover the cost of their own travel and accommodations to attend the wedding, they are also expected to bring a gift. A couple’s wedding registry typically includes items for the home, honeymoon experiences, or charitable donations.

Gift Tip: Before the wedding day even arrives, there are plenty of occasions for gift-giving:

• Engagement

• Bridal shower

• Bachelorette and bachelor parties

• Wedding day morning gifts (bride/groom to each other)

Again, Me To You Box shines in this area. With their customizable and curated wedding gifts, you can send love for every occasion, from popping the question to thanking your maid of honor. Their gorgeous packaging, fast shipping, and exceptional customer service ensure an elegant, seamless gifting experience. For inquiries or assistance, contact them at info@metoyoubox.com or call 862-248-5544.

A Word About Modern Weddings

In today’s world, many of the traditional roles around wedding expenses are evolving. Couples are increasingly footing the bill themselves or splitting costs evenly between families, especially when both sets of parents want to contribute fairly.

Same-sex weddings, elopements, micro-weddings, and destination weddings all come with their own etiquette and financial expectations. The most important thing is open communication early in the planning process. Discuss who is willing and able to contribute, and outline expectations before making major decisions.

Conclusion

Understanding the traditional breakdown of wedding expenses can help clarify roles and make planning smoother, but it’s essential to remember that every wedding is unique. Whether you're sticking closely to tradition or taking a modern, flexible approach, the goal is to create a day that celebrates your love story.

From the engagement to the final thank-you note, Me To You Box is here to elevate your gifting experience. Explore their thoughtful selection of bridal party gifts, wedding gifts, engagement gifts, shower gifts, care packages and hotel turndown gifts. With unmatched customer service and a passion for making moments memorable, Me To You Box is your trusted gifting partner.

Visit metoyoubox.com, email info@metoyoubox.com, or call 862-248-5544 to speak with their expert gifting staff.

Let the planning begin—and let the gifting shine!