GIRLS EXPENSES
1. Plan for the wedding
· Plan the time, place and type of wedding ceremony. Find the cost of a place for the wedding (reception center, hotel, club, etc.)
2. Invitations:
· Show a sample invitation. Find out the cost and the cost of postage for 300 invitations (You may want to include thank you notes.)
3. Wedding dress:
· Select a wedding dress and include a picture or sketch. If it is to be purchased state the price and place of purchase, as well as the cost of alterations. If it is to be made, state the amount of fabric, notions, pattern, etc. and the cost of everything included. Also include the price of shoes, hose, slip, etc.
4. Veil:
· State the price and place of purchase. Include a picture or sketch.
5. Bridesmaid’s dresses:
· Include a picture or sketch. Include the cost and place of purchase. If it is to be made, state the amount of fabric, notions, pattern, etc. and the cost of everything included. Include junior bridesmaids and flower girls if they will be in your line. Also include the number of bridesmaids and times the cost by how many dresses you will need.
6. Mother’s dresses:
· Include a picture or sketch. Include the cost and place of purchase. If it is to be made, state the amount of fabric, notions, pattern, etc. and the cost of everything included.
7. Decorations:
· List the cost of decorations for the reception. Included the backdrop, drapes, center pieces, tables, chairs, ice sculpture, fountains, etc. you may call a reception center to find out the cost of decorations, or if they are included with their rental price.
8. Flowers for decorations:
· Talk to a florist. Find the cost of flowers to decorate the reception center. (Only get the cost of decorations)
9. Ring for Groom:
· Choose a ring for your groom. Include a picture or sketch, place purchased and cost.
10. Gifts for maid of honor and bridesmaids:
· State the number of gifts to be given, place of purchase and the individual cost. If possible include a picture or sketch.
11. Wedding Pictures:
· Find the cost of wedding pictures. Include the total number or package you will buy. State the company or photographer. State the cost of additional photographs.
12. Wedding Cake:
· Find the cost of your wedding cake. Have a picture or sketch. Include the cost of the cake and delivery. Include who will be making the cake or place of purchase.
13. Refreshments:
· Describe the refreshments you want to serve. Use pictures if possible. State the cost of the refreshments for 300 guests. State who will be doing the refreshments (reception center or caterer).
14. Wedding gift for Groom:
· Choose a wedding gift for your groom. Find a picture or sketch and state the cost.
15. Wedding Video
· Find the cost of a wedding video. Tell what is included in the package.
16. Music for reception:
· Find the cost of music for the reception (string quartet, piano player, DJ, etc.) State who will be performing and the cost for 2 hours.
17. Gift for the guests:
· Choose a trinket or gift for the guests. Find the cost for 200. (Candy bag, candles, bubbles, bird seed, etc.)


Who Pays for What?
Working out a budget for your wedding is one of the first things that should be done, once the date is set. Will the ceremony be formal, semiformal or informal? A formal wedding, of course, will be the most expensive and the informal, the least. Nothing is set in concrete. Who pays for what? Unlike a decade ago, the lines are no longer rigidly drawn. The burden of paying for the wedding has shifted in recent years from the shoulders of the father of the bride, to include the groom's family. Also, with many couples marrying later and having money of their own, they are sharing in the expenses.
There are no longer any hard and fast rules as to "Who Pays for What", but a general guideline follows as to the traditional breakdown.


Traditional Breakdown of Expenses


Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories
The Bride's Family


Wedding Ring for Bride
The Groom
Wedding Ring for Groom
The Bride


Wedding Gift for Groom
The Bride
Wedding Gift for Bride
The Groom
Bridesmaid Gifts
The Bride
Groomsmen/Usher Gifts
The Groom


Bride's Bouquet
The Groom
Bridesmaid Bouquets
The Bride's Family
Mother's Corsages
The Groom
Grandmother Corsages
The Bride's Family
Groom's Boutonniere
The Groom
Groomsmen Boutonnieres
The Groom
Usher's Boutonnieres
The Groom
Ceremony/Reception Flowers
The Bride's Family


Altar Baskets/Arches
The Bride's Family
Canopy/Carpet
The Bride's Family
Kneeling Bench/Candleabrahs
The Bride's Family
Rented Items for Wedding
The Bride's Family
Rented Items for Reception
The Bride's Family


Invitations/Announcements
The Bride's Family
Wedding Programs
The Bride's Family
Napkins/Matches/Printed Items
The Bride's Family


Marriage License
The Groom
Medical Visit for Bride
The Bride
Medical Visit for Groom
The Groom


Church Fee
The Bride's Family
Clergyman/Officiant Fee
The Groom
Musician/Soloist
The Bride's Family
Church Janitor
The Bride's Family
Reception Hall Fee
The Bride's Family
Catered Reception/Professional Services
The Bride's Family


Wedding Photography
The Bride's Family
Video Photography
The Bride's Family
Orchestra/Band/DJ
The Bride's Family


Wedding Cake
The Bride's Family
Wedding Favors
The Bride's Family
Groom's Cake
The Groom's Family
Rice Bags
The Bride's Family


Rehearsal Dinner
The Grooms Family
Bridesmaid Luncheon
The Bride
Bachelor Party
Best Man/Groom's Attendants
Wedding Breakfast
The Bride's Family
Bridal Brunch
The Bride's Family


Bridesmaid's Gowns
Bridesmaid's
Maid of Honor Gown
Maid of Honor
Matron of Honor Gown
Matron of Honor
Best Man Formal Wear
Best Man
Usher's Formal Wear
Ushers
Groomsmen's Formal Wear
Groomsmen
Gloves/Ties/Ascots for Attendants
The Groom


Father of Bride Formal Wear
Bride's Family
Father of Groom Formal Wear
Groom's Family
Children's Formal Wear
The Children's Parents


Limousine Service
The Groom
Honeymoon Arrangements
The Groom
Travel Expenses to the Wedding
The Out-of-town Attendant or Family Member
Accommodations for out-of town Guests
The Bride
Gifts for the Couple
Guest, Attendants and Family