How To Split The Wedding Bill & Avoid That Awkward Conversation

It used to be that the bride or the bride's parents usually paid for the entire wedding, but it is becoming more common that the grooms side also helps pay for somethings. "Who pays for what?" is a standard question that brides typically ask me. In response, I hand them a checklist that I have created from my experiences and what I have found through research. However, there are no set rules. Generally speaking, if one side has a strong opinion on something, for example: which band plays, or what photographer is used, that side will pick up the tab. 

So here are my "guidelines" on what I feel to be most accurate and acceptable. Of course, any of it can be altered to the individual.

Who Pays For What

Bride:
-Engagement Party (optional)
-Wedding Planner
-Invitations/Announcements/Stamps
-Wedding Dress & Accessories
-Photography/Videography
-Music/Band
-Venue:Ceremony & Reception
-Reception expenses: Decorations, Food, Rentals etc.
-Wedding Favors
-Family's Wedding Attire
-Cake
-Grooms Ring
-Bridesmaids Outfits (unless bridesmaids are responsible)
-Gifts to Bridesmaids/Groom
-Flowers for Ceremony & Reception Site
-Corsages for M.O.B/Grandmothers
-Grooms Boutonniere
-Boutonnieres for F.O.B/Grandfathers
-Bridesmaids Bouquets, 
-Bride's Throw Away Bouquet

Groom:
-Engagement Party (optional)
-Rehearsal Dinner/Luncheon
-Family's Wedding Attire
-Grooms Attire
-Tux/Suits/Ties for Groomsmen (unless groomsmen are responsible)
-Corsages for M.O.G/Grandmothers
-Boutonnieres for F.O.G/Grandfathers
-Boutonnieres for Groomsmen 
-Bride's Bouquet
-Brides Engagement Ring/Band
-Grooms Gifts to Groomsmen/Bride
-Officiant's Fee
-Marriage License
-Honeymoon 


Hopefully this checklist will clarify what has become standard for bride's parents and groom's parents to pay for. My husband's parents followed this list and also helped pay for stamps for announcements, skirts for the bridesmaids outfits, and were more than willing to chip in other ways.