Partnership and cooperation are key components of planning your wedding. It's important to remember that both partners have ideas about what their "perfect day" would involve. Patience and compromise are vital at this stage of planning and the bride and groom need to clearly communicate their ideas and concerns.
One of the first things you will want to do
is develop a budget for your wedding. The first stage is choosing
the theme of your wedding. Next you need to decide what services
you'll need and how much each will cost. Choosing a theme first
makes the rest of your selections easier because you'll already
know what your goal is. Choosing a country theme over a waterside
theme will help in deciding where the reception will be, what
type of cake you will order, the type of music and what the ambiance
should be. You will find it's easier to choose decorations like
balloons, flowers, candles, center pieces, etc. because you will
already know what you have in mind. Settling on a theme makes
it much easier to stay within your budget.
Who Pays For What – The Traditional
Arrangement
There are no absolute rules on who pays for what.
Traditionally, the majority of the wedding expenses have been
paid by the bride’s family. However, with the increased cost
of weddings, the changes in traditional roles, and with many
couples marrying later in life, this obligation depends on the
individuals. It is best to discuss the budget with both families
to work out the best solution for everyone
Bridesmaid pays for her own dress, shoes & accessories.
Bridesmaid pays for her transportation.
Bachelor party given by best man or ushers.
Showers given by maid of honor or bridesmaids.
Wedding attire for themselves
Wedding Gift for Bride and Groom
Some Alternative Ideas:
Including the Groom's Family
The more the groom’s family is contributing to
various costs, the more input they should have in the planning
or decisions made in those areas. The groom should be the one
to approach his parents with regard to sharing expenses. Some
grooms’ parents may offer to assist with hosting the wedding.
The bride’s parents (or the couple, if they have planned to host
the wedding themselves) will make the decision whether to accept
this offer or not (realizing that this possibly means giving
up some of the control).
When both sets of parents are hosting the celebration,
you should include the groom's parents on the wedding invitation.
Consider including family members in the ceremony traditions,
or invite them to be part of the processional.
There are countless options, to be sure. The bride's
bouquet, for example, can be included with the flowers her family
buys. The mothers' and grandmothers' flowers, as well as the
men's boutonnieres, can also be part of this package.
Dresses and tuxedos (or suits) worn by the bridesmaids
and groomsmen are usually paid for by each attendant. The bride
and groom, however, can offer to pay for all or part of them
if they wish.
Remember, tradition does not always have to be followed. Whatever the source of the money, it is the bride and groom's wedding, and their wishes are to be considered the most important.
Budgeting
Items marked with a pink background are traditionally paid for by the Bride or Bride's Parents.
Items marked with a blue background are traditionally paid for by the Groom or Groom's Parents.
Items marked with a dark blue background are traditionally paid for by the both Bride & Groom.
Partnership and cooperation are key components of planning your wedding. It's important to remember that both partners have ideas about what their "perfect day" would involve. Patience and compromise are vital at this stage of planning and the bride and groom need to clearly communicate their ideas and concerns. 