Today, there are typically no rules regarding the financial responsibilities of who pays for what. Cultural backgrounds and individual convictions heavily influence the decision of the division of wedding expenses. The question of who pays for what really comes down to who is most willing and able and it may be the bride, groom or either of their families. The key is to communicate and to be realistic and courteous. The following is a guide for the traditional division for wedding expenses.

THE BRIDE pays for: The wedding ring for the groom; The wedding gift for the groom; Gifts for her attendants; Accomodations for her out of town attendants (optional); Personal stationery; Bridesmaids' luncheon

THE BRIDE'S FAMILY pays for: The costs of the reception; Bride's wedding attire and Trousseau; Photographer; Videographer; Music; Wedding cake; Organist, soloist and ceremony costs; Transportation for bridal party on Wedding day from ceremony to reception; Rental of Sanctuary or Chapel; Invitations, announcements, thank you notes; Bridesmaids, flower girl, ring bearer flowers and accessories; All gratuities for all services: parking, security, reception staff, etc.; Engagement and Wedding Photographs; Aisle Carpets, canopy, tents and any additional decorating costs; Wedding consultant

THE GROOM pays for: The bride's rings including the Engagement ring; The wedding gift for the bride; Gifts for Best Man and ushers; The marriage license; The honeymoon; Accomodations for out of town groomsmen (optional); Fee for clergy or judge; The boutonnieres for men in wedding party; The mother's corsages and other special ladies flowers; Bride's going away corsage; The bride's bouquet and throw away bouquet at the reception; Gloves, ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party

THE GROOM'S FAMILY pays for: The rehearsal dinner; Travel and lodging expenses; Shipment of Wedding gifts to the couple's home; Groom's formalwear and accessories; Wedding gift for the newlyweds; Clothing for the wedding

THE ATTENDANTS pay for: Their wedding clothes; Travel expenses; Wedding gift for the newlyweds