Wedding Budget | Who Pays for the Wedding | Budgeting tips from Lionscrest Manor CO

Now that you have said yes it is time for the dreaded P's, Planning and Paying. Sure everyone has dreamed of their ideal wedding but making it a reality is another thing. Sitting down to talk budget always is a bubble bursting event that forces you to come to terms with what is real and want is not.

We recommend that before you get ahead of yourself on the Planning you need to sit down and have a conversation with your significant other and family about who is Paying. This will save you time and heartache in the long run if you are able to keep your head.

So who is going to pay for this momentous event?

Traditionally the bride’s parents are responsible for the wedding reception. Of recent years more and more events are being paid for by the couple and both sides of the family.  It is important to have some rough figures and ideas pulled together before you sit down for a "meeting of the families" to avoid conflicts. We recommend "making them an offer they can't refuse".  Get the families together for a nice home cooked meal and breaking of the bread (if possible) giving everyone a chance to share in your joy and relax a bit. After a delicious meal you can then dip into the conversation and hopefully come to some agreement. What ever you do, don't blindside either side with this conversation!  Taking the time to prep for the budget meeting and prep your family for the discussion, we promise you, the effort will be noted and appreciated by all. Here is a typical suggested breakdown but by all means use this and make it your own. Each couples situation is unique and needs tweaking.

Wedding Costs Paid by the Bride and her Family:

Ceremony/Reception Rental Fee
Bridal Gown
Flowers and Decor
Photography
Bridesmaids’ luncheon
Food, Cake, and Entertainment
Groom’s Wedding Ring
Invitations
Transportation to and from ceremony and reception

Wedding Costs Paid by the Groom and his Family:

Marriage license and Officiant
Tux Rental or other attire for the Groom
Honeymoon Travel
Rehearsal Dinner
Alcohol for the Wedding Reception
Bride's Wedding Rings

Another option is to pull together a total budget and have everyone pool the funds for a complete payout. This is beneficial for couples who have divorced parents or want contributing parties to feel like they worked together on the overall success of the wedding.

Costs Incurred by the Wedding Party:

Wedding Party Attire (dresses, tux rental, shoes and accessories)
Bridal Shower and  Bachelor/Bachelorette party

We hope this information helps you in the Planning Process. Just remember that no two weddings are the same and likewise no two budgets are. Be flexible and open minded with your loved ones. Asking for assistance also means listening to their ideas and experiences as well. Always be sure to use the most important P, Please. Please and Thank-You always are appreciated by those you love and love you.

Photo courtesy of Elegant Images