Who Pays for What – Traditionally Speaking

Who Pays for What – Traditionally Speaking

photo courtesy of Blue Rose Photography

Communication, cooperation and realistic expectations are essential when you draw up your wedding budget. The bride’s family has traditionally paid all wedding expenses, but it is now appropriate for families to share costs.

When you draw up the budget, be communicative, realistic and cooperative. If the bride’s family cannot bear the bill, the groom’s parents might be willing to share a portion of the financial responsibility.

There are also expenses that the bride and groom might assume, further relieving financial pressure.

Following is the usual division of nuptial expenses. However, there are times when practicality must reign. Tradition frequently bows to whomever is willing and able to pay the bill:

Bride 

• Wedding gift for groom

• Wedding ring for groom

• Gifts for attendants

• Personal stationery

• Lodging for out-of-town attendants

• Physical examination

• Luncheon for bridesmaids

Bride’s Family

• Reception

• Wedding gift for newlyweds

• Bride’s wedding attire and trousseau

• Invitations, announcements,  and postage

• Engagement & wedding photographs

• Rental of wedding site

• Organist, soloist and sexton fees

• Aisle carpets and/or canopy,  and any decorating costs

• Bridesmaids’ bouquets

• Flowers for reception

• Transportation for bridal party  to ceremony and reception

• Security and insurance for gifts     (optional)

Groom

• Wedding gift for bride

• Wedding ring for bride

• Marriage license

• Gifts for attendants

• Bridal bouquet & going-away corsage

• Boutonnieres for all men in  wedding party

• Mothers’ corsages

• Physical examination

• Gloves, ties or ascots for attendants

• Lodging for out-of-town attendants

• Fee for clergy or judge

• Honeymoon

• Bachelor’s dinner (optional: may be   assumed by best man and ushers)

Groom’s Family

• Wedding gift for newlyweds

• Rehearsal dinner (optional)

• Their own expenses for  clothing, travel

More Trends & Tips

Navigating Wedding Manners: Etiquette Tips for Guests and Couples

Navigating Wedding Manners: Etiquette Tips for Guests and Couples

Weddings are joyous occasions filled with love, laughter, and celebration, but they also come with a set of etiquette guidelines that guests and couples should be mindful of to ensure a harmonious and memorable experience for everyone involved. From RSVPs to...

What Not to DIY at Your Wedding: Leave These Tasks to the Professionals

What Not to DIY at Your Wedding: Leave These Tasks to the Professionals

While DIY projects can add a personal touch to your wedding and save money, there are certain tasks that are best left to the professionals. From wedding photography and videography to catering, coordination, technical setups, and transportation logistics, entrusting these key aspects of wedding planning to experienced professionals ensures that your celebration is a success and that you can relax and enjoy every moment of your special day. So, focus on what matters most—celebrating your love and creating lifelong memories—and leave the rest to the experts.

DIY Delights: What to DIY at Your Wedding for a Personal Touch

DIY Delights: What to DIY at Your Wedding for a Personal Touch

Planning a wedding is an opportunity to infuse every aspect of your celebration with your unique personality, style, and creativity. DIY (do-it-yourself) projects are a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your wedding while also saving money and creating...

To Playlist or Not to Playlist: Do You Give Your DJ a Song List?

To Playlist or Not to Playlist: Do You Give Your DJ a Song List?

One of the key decisions couples face when planning their wedding reception is whether to provide their DJ with a song list or trust them to curate the music based on their preferences and the vibe of the event. While there are pros and cons to both approaches,...

Best of the Year!

Best of the Year!

Each year, we hold a contest where couples vote on the Best of NM Weddings. We had about 500 votes from around the state, and we're excited to share the results with you! Congratulations to our winners: Bridal Registry / Gifts – Designs by Maha Ceremony Location - El...

Suiting Up: A Guide to Getting Tuxes for the Groomsmen

Suiting Up: A Guide to Getting Tuxes for the Groomsmen

As the groom, one of your responsibilities is to ensure that your groomsmen look sharp and stylish on your wedding day. Coordinating tuxedos for your groomsmen can be a fun and rewarding process, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. In this blog...

Wedding Expos & Bridal Shows in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown

12 - 5 p.m.

Albuquerque

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Isleta Resort & Casino

12 - 5 p.m.