These days, weddings follow less of the old traditions, in favour of couples paving their own way. Family circumstances and finances are taken into account, and there are no hard and fast rules as to who pays.

Today we are sharing with you first the traditional ways of the past, as well as what is typical of today in relation to who foots the bill for weddings. At the end of the day, everyone's circumstances are different, but this is an interesting look at how things would transpire in times gone by. 

Gorgeous images by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Chesterton Smith Photography. 

WHO PAYS TRADITIONALLY

THE GROOM

Engagement ring

Bride’s wedding band

Rehearsal dinner

Transportation

Celebrant or Officiant

Ceremony – decorations, music and venue

Bride’s bouquet

Groomsmen’s gifts

Pageboy’s suit and accessories

Gift for his bride

Wedding night accommodation

Honeymoon

THE BRIDE

Bride’s hair and makeup

Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup

Bridesmaids’ gifts

Flowergirl’s dress and accessories

Groom’s wedding band

Gift for her groom

BRIDE AND GROOM

Wedding planner

Pre-marital counselling

Bombonnieres

Photographic prints for thank you presents and copies of video for family and thank you cards for wedding guests

Honeymoon spending money

THE BRIDE’S FAMILY

Newspaper announcement (a very cute tradition we think more should pay hommage to!)

Save the date cards, invitations and reply cards

Bride’s gown, veil, shoes and any accessories

Photographer’s fee

Videographer’s fee

Reception venue and decorations

Reception catering and drinks bar

Reception entertainment/music

Wedding cake

Thank you cards

THE GROOM’S FAMILY

Ceremony flowers

Bridesmaids bouquets

Groom’s  and groomsmen’s boutonnieres

THE WEDDING PARTY

Own attire and accessories

Hen’s Night and Buck’s Nights

Wedding Shower

Gifts for the Bride and Groom

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT – A MODERN VARIATION

Nowadays, there are many variables that are taken into account when figuring out who pays for what. Firstly, whether the couple have been living together for sometime, as this identifies the couple as a unit financially and therefore they will often take the bulk of the responsibility of the wedding costs, with families from both sides contributing what they can.

The financial position of the couple, and each side of the family, and any broken family situations are all considered in modern weddings. Below is an example of how many modern couples approach the who pays issue, while maintaining a level of tradition.

THE GROOM

Engagement ring

BRIDE AND GROOM

Wedding bands

Gifts for the wedding party

Bride’s hair and makeup

Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup

Bride’s gown, shoes and accessories

Suit hire for the groom

Brides and bridesmaids bouquets

Corsages and boutonnieres for wedding party and parents

Celebrant and ceremony fees

Transportation

Invitations, place settings, thank you cards, and any other stationery (eg. menus, save the date cards etc.)

Photographer and Videographer

Wedding cake

Bonbonnieres

THE BRIDE’S FAMILY

Newspaper announcement

Reception venue and food

Ceremony and reception flowers

THE GROOM’S FAMILY

Reception beverages

A contribution to other expenses incurred by the bride and groom or the bride’s family

THE WEDDING PARTY

Own attire and accessories

Hen’s Night and Buck’s Nights

Wedding Shower

Gifts for the Bride and Groom 

TRADITION IS OUT THE WINDOW

When it comes to paying for weddings, tradition really has gone by the wayside. There are no rules to follow, only fairness and personal circumstance to be taken into account. These days, the most practical thing to do is sit down with your families, either separately or together, find out what everyone can afford to contribute, and set in place a firm budget from there.

You can use our handy budget planning tools to get you started on the right track.

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