This seems to be the most popularly visited question prior to the wedding planning. It's an important aspect to know; you need to be aware of how much money you can spend, what you're paying for, and who to go to for further monetary assistance. While many view having the parents pay as a rather antiquated custom, it's barbarism still falls short of age-old traditions such as: the wearing of “something old, and something new,” or the giving away of the bride. These are still highly-practiced in accordance with standard wedding etiquette, so it only seems fair that the distribution of wedding finances is recognized as well.

Even though you may like being the independent couple who never asks their parents for help - it's time to face facts. An average wedding ranges anywhere between $18,000 - $25,000; and this is for something only somewhat lavish. Planning a party for more than a 150 people is no laughing matter. You have to consider food, location, entertainment, beverages, and décor – and that's just the toppings. So if you want an elegant reception hall wedding, and not a backyard barbecue party, it's time to call in the ranks.

Over the past few decades, one thing has changed about the division of financial responsibility. Before, it was the bride's family who was obligated to pay for the bridal gown, cocktails, and everything in between. Since then, the groom's family has become more involved. The groom's parents now partake in the majority of the floral purchases, the wedding officiant fees, the rehearsal dinner, and the limousine service. Although this is still fairly small in comparison to the rest of the wedding festivities, the contribution is very much appreciated by both the newlyweds as well as the bride's family.

If you can afford the wedding expenditures on your own, the more power to you. What's not an option: taking a loan out against the house or signing up for your bank's new “wedding credit card.” While these may seem like a great idea at the time, they're not a sound investment in regard to your future. Ah yes. The formidable word, “future.” This is something that you should always be thinking about, even when making the wedding preparations! Who wants to owe $20,000 right from the moment you say “I do?” Don't dig your hole before you even cross the threshold as man and wife. While the wedding may seem like the most important thing at the time – trust us, it's not worth it!


Breakdown of Wedding Finances

The Bride's Family is Responsible for:       The Grooms Family is Responsible for:

1.  Wedding Gown                                                       1.  Marriage Licence                                          
2.  Bridesmaid's Bouquets                                           2.  Bride's Bouquet
3.  Grandmother's Corsages                                       3.  Mothers Corsages
4.  Ceremony/Reception Flowers                                4.  Grooms Boutonniere
5.  Altar / Canopy                                                        5.  Groomsmen Boutounnieres
6.  Wedding Reception décor                                      6.  Ushers Boutounnieres
7.  Wedding Programs                                                7.  Officiant Fee
8.  Wedding Invitations                                               8.  Rehearsal Dinner
9.  Church / Ceremony Fee                                          9. Groom's Cake
10. Reception Hall Fee
11. Wedding Reception Caterer
12. Wedding Photographer
13. Orchestra / Band / DJ
14. Bridal Brunch
15. Wedding Breakfast