There are so many do's and don'ts of marriage ceremonies that following the proper wedding protocol can seem as difficult as finding a bride or groom! Here, the answers to a few nagging nuptial questions.
If you’ve ever helped to plan a wedding – whether your own or someone else’s – you know that it can be a daunting task. There are so many things to organize, arrange, schedule, and calculate. Every last detail is crucial, or you risk ruining what is supposed to be a blissful and perfect day. The stress of planning can be overwhelming, so the last thing you need to do is step on someone’s toes – and I don’t mean while dancing at the reception. We’re talking about etiquette here: how to avoid hurt feelings, jilted loved ones, and any situation involving the word “tacky.” Whether you’re the bride-to-be, the prospective groom, or any member of the wedding party, you’re about to find out the answers to some of the most commonly asked wedding etiquette questions.
Who pays for what?
You’ve spent nearly your whole life envisioning your dream wedding, and now the date is set: you’re finally going to walk down the aisle. But the situation could get sticky when you’re figuring out who foots the bill for your fantasy. Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for the majority of the wedding (which was great news for families with all sons), but there’s nothing wrong with breaking tradition! It’s increasingly common these days for the groom’s family – and even the bride and groom themselves – to shoulder a substantial amount of the financial burden. There’s no set-in-stone rule about who pays for what (obviously, it depends on the person’s financial situation), but if you need a general guide, here’s the breakdown:
The bride’s family pays for …
Wedding gown, veil, and accessories
Bridesmaids’ bouquets
Grandmothers’ corsages
Ceremony and reception flowers
Carpets, candelabras, trellises, and other decorations
Any rented items for the wedding or reception
Invitations and announcements
Napkins and other personalized items
Wedding programs
Church fee
Musicians and/or soloists
Church cleanup crew
Reception hall rental and fees
Catering and other professional services
Photography/videography
Orchestra, band, or DJ
Wedding cake
Wedding favors
Rice or birdseed bags, or bubbles or doves or whatever people plan to throw/release/blow at you
Father of the bride’s formal wear
The bride herself pays for …
Wedding ring for the groom
Wedding gift for the groom
Bridesmaids’ gifts
Bridesmaids’ luncheon
Accommodations for out-of-town guests
The groom’s family pays for …
The groom’s cake
The rehearsal dinner
Father of the groom’s formal wear
The groom himself pays for …
Wedding ring for the bride
Wedding gift for the bride
Groomsmen and ushers’ gifts
The bride’s bouquet
Mothers’ corsages
Groom’s, groomsmen’s, and ushers’ boutonnieres
The marriage license
Clergy fee
Gloves, ties, and ascots for attendants
Honeymoon arrangements
As far as the clothing worn by the groomsmen and bridesmaids, they are responsible for buying their own.