This is new territory for you. Have you wondered who pays for all the different things for the wedding? While there are no absolutes, typically the following individuals pay for these various items in the wedding ceremony. Be sure to communicate well and not to assume everyone knows who will pay for specifics. Don’t forget that tremendous principle, “The borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). Don’t go into debt that will be a heavy burden later!

The Bride typically pays for the following:

• The wedding ring for the groom
• Gifts for her attendants
• A small gift for her husband (if they choose to give each other a gift)
• A bridesmaid’s luncheon (if one is planned)
• Wedding night lingerie and items to be taken on the honeymoon

The Groom typically pays for the following:

• The wedding ring for the bride
• Honeymoon vacation
• Wedding gift for the bride (if they choose to give each other a gift)
• Gifts for the groomsmen
• Pastor’s honorarium

The Bride’s family typically pays for the following:

• The wedding ceremony costs
• The bride’s attire
• The wedding invitations, announcements, thank you notes
• The wedding photographer
• The wedding organist and church janitor
• The wedding ceremony costs
• The florist
• The reception
• Note:  Many parents find it helpful and encouraging to give the bridal couple a set amount of money to be used for the wedding ceremony and reception.  Whatever the couple does not use is theirs for whatever expenses they have (rent, etc.)

The Groom’s family typically pays for the following:

• Their attire and the rehearsal dinner

The Attendants typically pay for the following: 

• The attire to be worn in the wedding
• Gifts to be given to the newlyweds
• Their own transportation to and from the wedding