Okay all, Here is the thing, weddings are expensive and can add up quickly. I have some tips and tricks, who pays for what, and some expenses you might not think of. If you are planning a wedding or know someone that might be this post is for you!!
First, who pays for what??
I have seen this question come up so many times recently, so I did some research and here is what I found.
Brides family should traditionally pay for:
- The venue for the Ceremony and the music provided during the ceremony
- The brides attire ex. dress, veil, shoes, etc.
- Floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception as well as bridesmaids and flower girls bouquets or corsages.
- The brides family is in charge of paying for all photography and videography of the event.
- The reception venue, food, and decorations.
- The wedding invitations and stationary.
Grooms family should traditionally pay for:
- The marriage license and officiant fee.
- The grooms attire. ex. tux, vest, shoes, etc
- The bridal bouquet, boutonnieres for the men, and mother and grandmother corsages.
- The honeymoon.
- The rehearsal dinner.
- The DJ, and any liquor at the reception.
Second, what are some unexpected expenses you might not think of?
We all know the main items you need to budget in for your big day, but what else could there be that you haven't thought of? Below is a list of commonly forgotten items that can add up quickly.
- Postage, lets be real, stamps are expensive.
- Pre-wedding event outfits, ex. bridal shower, bachelorette party, bachelor party, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, etc. Really, you can't wear the same outfit to everything.
- Any undergarments and accessories you might need. Lets share an example, are you wearing a strapless dress? You will need a strapless bra, and one that fits well and doesn't fall down all night during all the dancing you will be doing.
- Beauty treatments, getting your nails, and hair done before the big day so you look your best.
- Wedding stationary, are you doing menus, place cards, or anything else? Those add up!
- Alterations, those aren't always included in a dress purchase and are very often needed.
- The day of coordinator, trust me, this will help your day run smoothly and make it so you don't need to worry about ANYTHING.
- Feeding your vendors. A lot of vendors, (photographers, DJ, videographers, etc ) will need to be fed during the event so count that into your budget.
- Tips and gratuities. For any type of service rendered it is customary to give a tip or gratuity, this is not added into the original cost and therefore you must budget this in yourself.
- Sales tax. Now, not every state requires sales tax but many do. If you are in a state that requires sales tax make sure you budget that in as it can add up quickly on such large purchases.
- A hotel room, for the night before and to get ready in if needed.
- Breakfast and lunch for the wedding party. Guys, these people are going to be spending their entire day with you making your day as amazing as possible, keeping them happy and fed (along with yourself) is key!
- Gifts for your parents. Not everyone does this, but a nice necklace for your mom, a cool watch or engraved handkerchief for your dad, goes a long way and will mean the world to them.
- Unexpected guests. Honestly a bunch of people are going to bring plus ones, or plus twos, or friends/family members to the wedding so they don't have to come by themselves. Because really, who wants to go to a wedding by themselves?
After all is said and done, if you're prepared, and you know all the ins and outs of your wedding, you are going to have one amazing day! I know it's a lot but it'll totally be worth it.
