The lines of who pays for what when it comes to weddings these days are definitely blurred. First of all, we have to throw out the disclaimer that there is no official ruling regulating  financial  responsibility. Traditionally, we probably all know that the bride's family foots the majority of the bill, but that's not stopping modern couples from spending their own savings to have the wedding they want. 

Whether it's their second  marriage or they want independence from their parents, many modern couples are choosing to take on all wedding costs on their own. In some situations, it's also possible that their parents simply aren't in a place to help out at all. More couples are hosting their weddings, or a portion of the day, than in years past. It's based on control of the day but rather it's the choice

Rather than following tradition verbatim, a three-way split among the couple and family members is another contemporary payment plan option to take into consideration. It's a rare situation, but if that works for everyone, that's an easy way to do it. What's most important is to strike a balance that works for all parties involved. 

Whether you (or your parents) want to stick to tradition or you're just interested in knowing the traditional breakdown of costs, you should know that there are some very strict delineations. Ahead, we outline exactly who should front which finances, according to age-old customs.

The Bride's Family 

While some couples do prefer to honor the tradition for which family pays for certain items. Couples without the pressure of 'following suit' create their own plan, but if you want to stick to tradition, see below.

The Bride's Family Is Responsible For: 

• Engagement party

• Wedding dress (including veil and any accessories)

• Wedding planner/coordinator

• Invitations/stationery/save the dates/wedding programs

• Photography/videography

• Transportation/accommodation for bridesmaids

• Pre-wedding parties

• Ceremony/reception

• Flowers/décor

• Wedding cake

• Morning-after brunch

The groom's family are expected to pay for the marriage license and officiant fee, the rehearsal dinner (including the venue, food, drink, decorations, entertainment—and yes—the invitations, too), and accommodations/transportation pertaining to the groom's family and groomsmen. The groom and/or his family would traditionally plan and pay for the honeymoon, but nowadays, the planning and budgeting is generally more collaborative—and even crowd-funded. Some couples set up a place at their reception for guests to throw in some fun money towards their "honeymoon fund," while others add honeymoon costs—ranging from airfare segments to honeymoon activities and experiences—to an online 

honeymoon registry.

The Groom's Family Is Responsible For: 

• Honeymoon

• Marriage license/officiant fee

• Rehearsal dinner

• Bride's bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages

• Transportation/accommodation for groomsmen

• DJ/band and liquor/alcohol for wedding reception

Traditionally, the bride is only solely responsible for paying for the groom's wedding band and wedding gifts for her bridesmaids. However, there are many wedding costs (everything from a coordinator to flowers and décor) that are often shared between the bride and her family. 

The Bride Is Responsible For: 

• Groom's wedding band

• Wedding gifts for bridesmaids, groom, and parents

• Hair and makeup

Precedent proposes that the groom purchases the bride's ring and wedding band. As per tradition, the groom is also responsible for covering the cost of his attire—whether he buys or rents—but it's not uncommon for the groom's family to pitch in. Lastly, the groom is expected to pick up the tab on any gifts to his groomsmen and the bride.

The Groom Is Responsible For: 

• Engagement ring and wedding band for the bride

• Groom's attire

• Wedding gifts for groomsmen and the bride

• Honeymoon (unless the groom's family has it covered)

FAQ

·       Who pays for what in a destination wedding?

While the brides' parents traditionally would have covered the costs for a destination  wedding (similar to a hometown wedding), nowadays, it's not unusual for the couple to pick up the tab or split the costs with their parents.

·       Who pays for a second wedding?

While the couple is expected to foot the bill, in some instances, the parents may be gracious enough to help cover the costs.