For example, the groom is responsible for boutonnieres and gifts for his attendants, corsages for his mother and grandmothers, and the brides bouquet. The groom is also responsible for paying the person with the legal qualifications to marry them. Other small things such as a marriage license and his own clothing are his responsibility as well. Lastly, a groom must pay for a gift for his bride as well as the ring!

Now onto the main attraction, the bride. She must pay for a ring for the groom if he chooses to wear one. The bride is also in charge of her attendants. She should pay for the gifts of her attendants as well as a luncheon if she decides to host one. If an attendant needs to travel a long distance to be in the wedding then the bride should help with lodging expenses. As far as, the bride herself goes, any hair, make-up or skin treatment appointments she makes, she is responsible for.

The attendants that are asked to participate in the wedding are responsible for their own clothes and travel costs. If a bridal shower or bridesmaids party is planned, then it is up to the bridesmaids to host and pay for it. The same goes for the male attendants. They must plan and pay for the bachelor party. Each set of attendants must get a gift for either the bride or groom.

Now it's time for the families to be involved. Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding ceremony itself. This includes items, such as table decorations and favors, food, and any activities or entertainment. In addition, the bride's family pays for her gown, the wedding invitations, flowers at the reception, wedding announcements, the cost of the venue at which the wedding is held, a photographer and a limo if desired. The family is also responsible for their own expenses related to clothing and any travel costs.

According to wedding etiquette, the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner. This includes the cost of the venue where the dinner is held, dinner invitations, flower, a gift for the bride and groom and any entertainment that they may choose to have. The groom's cake is the only other expense they pay for when it comes to the reception.

When planning a wedding it is helpful to refer to these guidelines, but keep in mind that every situation is different. Couples also may decide to take the expense on themselves. Even opting to have the families pay for 1/3 of the wedding is sometimes a reasonable idea.. Make sure you stay realistic about your goals and funds to ensure your marriage a healthy start. You don't want to finish paying off your wedding as your first-born starts college.