Financial Obligations

Traditions are constantly changing, so while figuring out the wedding finances it is important for you and your fiance and your respective families to keep an open, realistic, and courteous line of communication. The following list outlines traditional expense guidelines only. If the bride's family is unable to bear the usual costs of the wedding expenses, talk with the groom's parents. They may be willing to assist, and you and your fiance might also want/have to assume some of the financial obligations of a wedding (you may want to set up a separate joint bank account to help accomplish this).

This list should also serve as a guideline for expenses you will/may incur in your wedding planning.


Bride

• Wedding gift for groom
• Wedding band for groom
• Gifts for attendants, flower girl, and personal attendant
• Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional)
• Bridesmaid's luncheon

• Gifts for soloist, Mistress of Ceremonies, readers, guest book attendant, hostesses
• Gifts to parents

• Pre-wedding expenses
  • Mail/newspaper engagement announcements and photographs
  • Bride's wedding attire
  • Invitations and postage
• General expenses
  • Own traveling/lodging expenses, including those for bride if wedding not in hometown
  • Photographer
  • Videographer
  • Transportation for bride to church
  • Transportation for bride and groom or entire bridal party to reception
  • Wedding gift for newlyweds
  • Rental/purchase of own attire
• Ceremony expenses
  • Rental of church/hall and custodial fees
  • Soloist/Organist fees
  • Purchase and printing of programs
  • Flowers
    • Bridesmaids' bouquets
    • Mothers' and Grandmothers' corsages
    • Fathers' and Grandfathers' boutonnieres
    • Corsage for soloist, Mistress of Ceremonies, readers, guest book attendant, bride's personal attendant
    • Flower girl basket and flower petals
    • Large altar/chuppah flower arrangements
    • Pew bows/flowers
  • Unity candle rental
  • Aisle runner rental
  • Canopy/chair rental if outside
• Reception expenses
  • Rental of reception hall, linens, tables, chairs, glasses, silver, china,
  • Set up/tear down fees of tables/chairs/etc.
  • Flower arrangements (guest table centerpieces, cake/buffet table, head table centerpiece)
  • Decorations (balloons, etc.)
  • Cake(s)
  • Cake server and knife
  • Toasting glasses
  • Table centerpieces
  • Placecards for seating arrangement (optional)
  • Catering (food/drink/bartender fees etc.)
  • Entertainment (band, DJ, soloists)
  • Disposable Cameras
  • Birdseed/Bubbles etc. to throw at couple upon leaving

• Wedding gift for bride
• Wedding ring for bride
• Marriage license and associated costs (physicals, blood tests)
• Immunizations required for honeymoon
• Gifts for groomsmen and ushers
• Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional)
• Bride's bouquet
• Boutonnieres for groomsmen, ushers, and ring bearer
• Fee for clergy or judge
• Transportation from reception to airport, hotel, or honeymoon destination
• Honeymoon (food/lodging/entertainment/transportation)

• Groom's tux rental
• Rental/purchase of own attire
• Own traveling/lodging expenses, including those for groom
• Mail/newspaper engagement announcements
• Rehearsal dinner
  • Rehearsal dinner invitations and postage
  • Rental of location, linens etc.
  • Food/drink/bartender fees, tip etc.
  • Entertainment (i.e. soloist)
  • Placecards for seating arrangement (optional)
  • Flower arrangements for tables