There are no absolute steadfast rules on who pays for the wedding expenses. Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the majority of the expenses. However, with today's high prices, many families decide to share the costs.
The article entitled "The Traditional Breakdown of Wedding Expenses" gives a listing of who traditionally pays for what. "New Options For Wedding Expenses" gives you some new guidelines that are generally accepted today.
Approaching the Groom's Parents
The groom should be the one to approach his parents with regard to sharing the expenses. They may offer to pay for part or all of the wedding. But, the decision of whether to accept this offer is up to the bride's parents.
When Both Sets of Parents Host...
When both sets of parents are hosting the wedding (and therefore pay half), it is very important to recognize and include the groom's parents to an equal extent. For example, you should include them on the wedding invitation. You could also find other ways to include them such as making them a part of the wedding processional or by lighting a unity candle.
Keep Accurate Financial Records
However, you decide to divide things up, you need to keep complete and accurate financial records - this is the best way to controlling your spending as well as avoiding any unpleasant and/or unexpected expenses.
Oops! We're Over Budget...
If the bride and groom plan something for the wedding that falls outside of the original wedding budget, the bride and groom should pay for it themselves. This is also true for anyone else involved in the wedding. For example, if the mother of the bride decides that she wants toinvite 10 more people than the budget allows, she should come up with the money to cover the overage. If this isn't possible, you may have to cut back on some other aspect of the wedding.
