Lately I’ve heard a lot of discussion on “who pays for what” in a wedding, from my friends and family to DJs on the radio. Since I touched on this subject while I was an intern, I wanted to reference it again for the brides and grooms that may not know what they’re responsible for!

Bride & Family

  • Church or venue, organist, etc.
  • Bride’s dress, veil, accessories, etc.
  • Bridesmaid’s gifts (bride)
  • Flower arrangements for church and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls
  • All wedding photos and video
  • Plans and hosts bridesmaids' luncheon (bride)
  • All professional services, including food, drink, decorations and music
  • Bride and/or her family pay for groom's ring
  • Invitations, announcements, and wedding programs
  • Transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception
  • Sending (and paying for) the engagement announcements to the local newspapers (parents of the bride)
  • Lodging for the officiant, if he/she comes from out of town
  • Wedding gift for groom (bride)
  • Lodging for bridesmaids (if you have offered to help with this expense)

Groom & Family

  • Groom’s attire
  • Bride's bouquet, boutonnieres for men and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
  • Complete honeymoon
  • Marriage license and officiant's fee
  • Plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner
  • Hosts and plans bachelors' dinner (groom)
  • Groomsmen's gifts (groom)
  • Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride's rings
  • Lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense)
  • Wedding gift for bride (groom)

Attendants

  • Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower/bachelorette party
  • Best man and ushers host bachelor party
  • All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes) unless otherwise noted
  • Ring Bearer/Flower Girl’s parents pay for their child’s attire

 Have a great week!

— Jordan

Bride-to-be and Benton native Jordan Westbrook graduated from UALR in 2011 with a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in mass media. The former Arkansas Bride intern will be blogging about her adventures in wedding planning right here each week.