Budgeting for the Wedding: Who Pays for What?

gowns for debut

Forget the archaic rule that says certain people have to pay for certain things. The bride's parents need not take out a third mortgage to pay for the wedding, and the groom's parents are not off the hook either. Besides, the two of you might even be covering a good chunk of the expenses yourselves. The best way to work it out? Sit down with pencil, paper, and calculator and figure out what you really want and can afford. Keep in mind that informal weddings are usually smaller (and therefore cheaper), and formal weddings tend to be larger (and therefore more expensive).
Here's a list of the traditional costs for everyone involved -- but remember, these "rules" are made to be broken!

Ceremony
Bride and family pay for church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.
Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant's fee.

Clothes
Bride and family pay for bride's dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes).
Groom and family pay for groom's outfit.
All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Flowers
Bride and family pay for arrangements for church (including Chuppah if a Jewish wedding ceremony) and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
Groom and family pay for bride's bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Honeymoon
Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.

Photography
Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.

Prewedding Parties
Bride or groom's family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride's family hosts the first one.
Groom's family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.
Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids' luncheon.
Groom hosts and plans bachelors' dinner.
Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.
Best man and ushers host bachelor party.
Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.

Reception
Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

Rings
Bride and/or her family pay for groom's ring.
Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride's rings.

Stationery
Bride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

Transportation
Bride and family pay for wedding transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.