Wedding financing can be tricky. For starters, you don't know if you and your spouse should shoulder the expenses head-on and alone. And that is especially if you two are financially buoyant.
On the other hand, you wonder if parents (bride's & groom's) would help. If they don't, can you even ask?
We have been there and seen it all. And trust us; no one answer fits all. However, it will be helpful if you know the conventions of financing a wedding.
So, what are the conventions?
Keep reading as we discuss the common ways couples and their parents handle wedding financing.
Engagement
You and your spouse can choose to foot your engagement bills. However, these finances are conventionally the duties of the bride's parents.
And by engagement, we mean all the expenses involved - announcement and the party. How so?
On receiving the good news from the bride-to-be, the bride's parents announce it to the world. But they won't stop there; if the husband's parents were in a different state, the bride's family would pay for their announcement too.
See also:
Things To Do Between Your Engagement And Wedding
After announcements, the bride's parents will then pay and host the engagement party. But wait, what if they chose a venue and theme different from what you and your spouse prepared?
Always carry your parents (bride's and groom's) along with your plans. If at all they can't foot the entire bill, they could negotiate and contribute their quota.
Rehearsal Dinner
The bride's parents can now rest and take delight in the dinner. Oh, they would get appreciation from you and your spouse now.
So, who pays here?
Conventionally, the groom's parents pay, organize, and host rehearsal dinners. Like the bride's family, the groom's parents also handle all the finances here - venue, foods, and drinks.
Unlike engagement parties, rehearsal dinners call for little to no extravagance. More so, it's a get-together to appreciate people's contribution a night before the wedding.
But if you and your spouse want a luxury dinner, plan with the groom's parents. In any case, know that this is only a rehearsal; it can't and shouldn't outdo your wedding.
Wedding
So far, you and your spouse have been hands-off. That is about to end; a wedding is such a big event and requires all hands on deck.
That said, let's see who pays for what!
The first section, reception, is the duty of the bride's parents. Traditionally, they hold the bragging rights of the occasion as well as the finances. Or why do you think the name of the bride's parents takes the top section of wedding invitations?
In summary, the responsibilities of wedding reception rest on the bride's parents. They make guests feel welcome and comfortable.
But the bride's parents can't do it all. The groom's family also renders assistance. What kind?
- Floral accessories (such as boutonnieres and corsages) for bride's and groom's families,
- Drinks - alcohol particularly, and
- Accommodation provisions for the groom's attendants
Now, you wonder, how about the photos and videos? Who pays for those?
Videos and photos are part of the reception expenses that the bride's parents handle. And the same thing applies to floral arrangements and the bride's attire.
That said, what will you and your spouse handle?
- The bride:
- Gifts for personal invitees and groom,
- Groom's ring, and
- Wedding flowers.
- The groom:
- Bride's bouquet, ring, and gift,
- Florals and gifts for groomsmen,
- Honeymoon expenses,
- Marriage license, and
- Officiant's fees and lodging.
Overall, wedding financing can be as flexible as you make it. If you and your spouse have the money, you can even sponsor the entire event. But if family members want to help, let them do so in willingness and according to their ability.
Happy preparation!