Today there are no absolute rules about who pays for what, in regard to wedding expenses. The following list indicates the traditional assumption of expenses. The Bride, Groom, and parents should meet to discuss who will pay for what at the beginning of the wedding planning to determine a realistic budget and exactly who will be responsible for which expenses so there are no misunderstandings or hard feelings later. (Keep in mind that today, the groom's parents and/or the couple themselves usually help to share the wedding expenses.)

Sample Wedding Budget Worksheet

• Wedding ring for the groom
• Wedding gift for the groom
• Presents for the bridal attendants, and flower girl(s)
• Personal stationery
• Bridesmaids' luncheon (also includes Maid/Matron of Honour, Flower Girl and Guest Book Attendant)
• Accommodations for out-of-town bridal attendants
• Physical examination/blood test (if necessary)

• The bride's ring(s)
• Wedding gift for the bride
• Marriage license
• Gifts for the groom attendants (best man, groomsmen, ushers, and ring bearer)
• Wedding attire
• Flowers: bride's bouquet and going-away corsage, corsages for mothers, boutonnieres for the groom attendants
• Accommodations for out-of-town groom attendants
• Physical exam/blood test (if necessary)
• Gloves, ties or ascots for groom attendants
• Fee for the clergy
• The honeymoon
• Optional: Casual get-together for groom attendants (if no bachelor party)

• Wedding attire
• Reception: food, beverages, wedding cake, gratuities for the bartenders and waiters, decorations, music, flowers, etc.
• Wedding gift for the newlyweds
• Wedding invitations, announcements, calligraphy, and mailing costs
• Bride's wedding attire/trousseau
• Engagement and wedding photography and videography
• Ceremony: rental of location, fees for organist, soloist or choir, and sexton, aisle carpet and/or canopy and any other additional costs for flowers and decorations
• Personal flowers for attendants, Guest Book attendant, grandparents, etc.
• Fees for directing traffic as well as parking costs and coat-check fees
• Favors and Accessories
• Transportation for bridal party to the wedding ceremony and from ceremony to reception
• Wedding Consultant fee
• Optional: rehearsal dinner, if the parents of the Groom are not hosting one

• Wedding attire (Father of the Groom should match Father of the Bride)
• Travel and lodging expenses
• Wedding gift for bride and groom
• Rehearsal dinner and/or other wedding expenses they elect to assume

• Wedding attire
• Travel expenses
• Wedding gift for the couple

• Travel and lodging expenses
• Wedding gift for the couple