Who Pays for What, Part Deux

So yesterday, we talked about what the bride pays for - what about her groom?  The engagement ring is the obvious first answer, but what else should he start saving for (and how many month's salary will it cost)?

• Accommodations for the groom's attendants (optional)
• Bride's engagement ring AND wedding ring(s)
• Bride's bouquet, corsages for mothers and other honored family members and boutonnieres for fathers and men (other than the groom) in the wedding party (remember from yesterday - the bride buys the groom's boutonniere - but seriously, who is going to split up the flower bill?)
• Gift to the bride (optional.....?  Personally, I don't think this is up for debate)
• Gifts to the groom's attendants
• Honeymoon, including transportation to the airport
  Liquor
• Marriage license
• Officiant's fee and/or gratuity
• Rehearsal dinner (all costs - yes, ALL costs)
• Transportation for the groom and best man to the ceremony (guess the other guys are on their own!)
• Transportation or lodging expenses for the officiant (if invited by groom's family)
• Transportation and lodging for the groom's parents

There you have it - the traditional way to split the wedding bill.

Who Pays for What....?

Curious as to the most traditional way to divvy up the costs of your wedding?  Here is what the Bride's side is usually responsible for....

• Accommodations for the bride's attendants (although, this is optional - but if you're feeling generous....)
• Gifts to the bride's attendants
• Gift to the groom (again, optional)
• Bride's gown and accessories
• Bridesmaids' luncheon (this is usually 2-3 days before the wedding)
• Church/ceremony costs
• Flowers for the ceremoney and reception - this includes the bridesmaid's bouquets and boutonnieres for the groom
• Groom's ring
• Invitations and all things paper
• Music at the ceremony and reception
• Photography AND videography
• Reception expenses
• Rentals for the ceremony or reception
• Transportation for the bridal party to the ceremony and reception
• Transportation or lodging expenses for the officiant if invited by the bride's family
• Wedding consultant/planner

Of course, like anything else - these are just guidelines.  Today, many brides and grooms are paying for more of their own wedding expenses.  And it used to be that the parents selected the photographer - but the majority of the time, that decision is being made by the bride and groom.

Tomorrow - look for the other half of this.  What does the groom pay for?

The Wedding Budget - How Much on What?

So, you set your budget....ish.  And now you're trying to decide how much to spend on all the things you need, right?  Venue, flowers, dress, photographer, etc.  Most Brides and Grooms will spend the bulk of their budget on food, drinks and reception or venue site fee.  But...what about the rest?

Here is a rough guideline of where your money will go:

Venue/Reception (site, food, drink):  42%
Wedding Rings:  8% (this doesn't include your engagement ring)
Photography:  8%
Flowers:  6%
Rehearsal Dinner:  6%
Wedding Dress:  5% (this assumes ONE dress, although some Brides have more)
Videography:  5%
Reception Music:  4% (this could be a DJ, band or both)
Groom's Formal wear:  3%
Hair/make-up for Bride (and usually bridal party):  2%
Invitations and announcements:  2% (this might also include your Thank You cards)
Ceremony Music:  2%
Church/Synagogue/Ceremony Location:  2% (assuming it's different from the reception location)
Wedding Cake:  2%
Transportation:  2%
Favors:  1%

The average cost for a wedding is now between $21,000 and $24,000.  For a $21,000 budget, you should plan to spend approximately $1,700 on your photographer.  Gardner Photography & Design has the perfect package for your budget:

• 1 Photographer (Up to 7 hours; each additional hour at $100)
• Up to 3 locations (within 50 mile radius)
• Download high resolution images from private, online gallery, DVD of images with Letter of Release allowing you to make your own prints.
• 12.5” x 10" Custom Hard Cover Coffee Table Book, 10 pages, with custom cover
• $100 credit/coupon towards print photo order (from gallery only)
• Engagement Session (1 hour, 1 location) 

All that for only $1,500 - so, you'll even have $200 left to spend on your honeymoon (or extra bling for yourself...shhhhh....we won't tell the Groom).

Want some helpful tips on cutting your budget?  Check out They'll Never Know:  Eight Hidden Ways to Cut Wedding Costs.