Traditional Etiquette: Who Pays for What?
Here is a checklist of elements of the wedding day, along with an indication of who traditionally pays.
Please note: the following list is strictly traditional. Much of this etiquette is now outdated and irrelevant to how modern weddings are structured and budgeted. It should serve as an indication of very strict traditions only.
B=Bride
BF=Bride's Family
G=Groom
Wedding Attire
Wedding dress, veil, shoes, lingerie, jewellery BF
Bridesmaids' dresses, pageboy outfits and accessories BF
Something old, new, borrowed and blue B
Groom's outfit G
Best man's outfit G or best man
Ushers' outfits G or ushers
Groom's going-away outfit G
Bride's going-away outfit B
Bridal Beauty
Hairdressing and make-up B
Wedding Transportation
To ceremony: bride, bride's father, bridesmaids and bride's mother BF
Ceremony to reception (bride and groom) BF
Decorations (ribbons) for wedding transportation BF
To ceremony: groom and best man G
From reception: bride and groom G
Wedding Photography
Photography or videoing BF
Wedding Flowers
Church BF
Reception BF
Bride's and bridesmaids' bouquets BF or G
Buttonholes BF or G
Wedding Ceremony
Civil/religious ceremony fees G
Church, plus extras (bells, organist, choir) G
Register office or other venue fees G
Wedding Reception
Venue hire and decorations BF
Toastmaster BF
Wedding cake BF
Catering BF
Favours BF
Drinks BF
Entertainment BF
Honeymoon
Passports and visas G
Travel and accommodation G
Bride's clothing B
Groom's clothing G
Spending money G
Travel insurance and inoculations G
Wedding Stationery
Invitations and postage BF
Order of Service BF
Menus and place name cards BF
Seating plan chart BF
WEdding Presents
Bride's engagement and wedding rings G
Groom's wedding ring B
Presents for bridesmaids, ushers and best man G
Presents for bride and groom's parents B and G
Other
Engagement party BF
Wedding planner fees BF
Wedding insurance BF
Press announcements for engagement BF
Press announcements for wedding G
Wedding night hotel G
Overnight accommodation for close family BF
Stag and Hen parties: the cost is usually shared among those who attend
