Financial Obligations

Tradition, a weighty word in terms of wedding expenses, once dictated that the bride's family handled all the nuptial expenses.

The changing scheme of society has made it possible for some ironclad traditions to loosen their grip a bit, and that certainly includes wedding costs.

Probably the most useful approach for you, your groom and your respective families to consider when you draw up the wedding budget is to be communicative, realistic and courteous.

If your family is unable to bear the traditional bridal bill, talk with the groom's parents. They may be willing to assume a portion of the financial responsibility. There are probably some expenses that you and your groom can pay, thus taking some pressure off your families.

Following is the traditional division of nuptial expenses. However, there are times when tradition bows to practicality. The question of who pays for what really boils down to who is most willing and able.

Bride
Wedding gift for groom
Wedding ring for groom
Gifts for attendants
Personal stationery
Physical examination
Bridesmaid's luncheon
Bride's Family
Entire reception
Wedding gift for newlyweds
Bride's wedding attire and trousseau
Invitations, announcements and postage
Engagement and wedding photographs
Rental of sanctuary or chapel
Organist, soloist and sexton fees
Aisle carpets and/or canopy and any additional decorating costs
Bridesmaids' bouquets
Flowers for reception
Transportation for bridal party to ceremony and reception
Rehearsal dinner (optional)

Groom
Wedding gift for bride
Wedding ring for bride
Marriage license
Gifts for best man and ushers
Bridal bouquet and going away corsage
Boutonnieres for all men in wedding party
Mothers' corsages
Physical examination
Fee for clergy or judge
Honeymoon
Bachelor's dinner (optional may be assumed by best man and ushers)

Groom's Family
Wedding clothes
Traveling expenses and hotel bills
Wedding gift for the newlyweds
Rehearsal dinner (optional)
Shipment of wedding gifts to the bridal couple's new home.