When deciding on who to pay for what, not only does it get confusing but it can also be a sticky situation.  Talking about money is always a sensitive topic.  These days, the bride and groom usually splits the costs of the wedding.  However, in a traditional American wedding, the bride’s family usually pays for most of the costs.

Traditionally, these are how the costs are split.  If you want to download the form instead, click on this link here:  

Who Pays for What Worksheet

Out of the Bride’s wallet:

• Groom’s wedding ring
• Wedding gift for the groom
• Gifts for the guests (wedding favors)
• Accommodation for out-of-town guests
• Wedding day lingerie
• Bridesmaids luncheon 

Out of the Groom’s wallet:

• Bride’s rings (including the engagement ring)
• Wedding gift for the bride
• Honeymoon vacation
• Marriage license
• Groomsmen gifts
• Bride’s bouquet
• Corsages for mother of bride and mother of groom
• Boutonnieres for men in wedding party
• Ties and accessories for the men in the wedding party
• Clergy, Justice of the Peace, Wedding Officiant or minister’s fee 

On the Bride’s family:

• Wedding planner
• Engagement party and announcement
• Wedding reception
• Bride’s attire
• Wedding invitations, announcements, thank you notes
• Wedding photographer and videographer
• Wedding ceremony costs
• Bridesmaids and flower girl’s flowers and accessories
• Ring bearer’s accessories
• Transportation for bridal party from ceremony to reception
• All gratuities
• Their own attire

On the Groom’s family:

• Their own attire
• The rehearsal dinner 

The Maid of Honor pays for:

• Wedding shower
• Bachelorette party

The Best Man pays for:

• Bachelor party

The Attendants pay for:

• Wedding attire
• Wedding gifts to the newlyweds

Do keep in mind that this is just what is traditionally paid for by each party.  These days, everyone and anyone can pay for anything.