Wedding Etiquette for Bridesmaids: What Does the Bride Pay For?
When it comes to contemporary weddings, the bride and groom often pay for the affair themselves. However, there is a specific etiquette regarding who is supposed to pay for certain things. For example, the groom's family is supposed to foot the bill for the rehearsal dinner. Traditionally, the bride's family paid for the entire wedding reception. The bride also has quite a bit of her own expenses for her wedding.
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Groom's Gift
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The bride traditionally buys a gift for her groom. The bride and groom traditionally exchange gifts right before the wedding, either via an attendant or left for one another. The bride is responsible for paying for the groom's gift.
His Ring
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The bride buys the groom's wedding band. Even though the bride and groom may pick out their wedding rings together, the bride should pay for the groom's wedding ring. The bride can either purchase the ring while with the groom or come back at a later time and purchase it.
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Bridesmaids' Gifts
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A gift from the bride shows appreciation to the bridesmaids. As a "thank you," the bride often purchases a gift for each of her attendants. These gifts are usually the same for each attendant, such as a necklace or jewelry set. Often times, the bride chooses a gift that is long-lasting and sentimental, yet something that she will use or look at often, such as a strand of pearls or a special photo in a frame.
Thank You Notes
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The bride is to purchase and write thank you notes to the guests. While thank you notes are often included in a photo package offered by the professional photographer for the wedding, the bride traditionally purchases the thank you cards that are not included. She may also purchase stationary to write letters to the different vendors for her wedding, such as the catering hall.
Wedding Guest Book
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A sign-in book reminds the bride and groom who attended the wedding. If the bride and groom choose to have a wedding guest book or a sign-in board, the bride is responsible for paying for it. This book usually matches the theme and colors that the bride and groom have chosen for their wedding. The bride may also choose how to have the area around the book decorated, such as with photos of the bride and groom throughout their relationship.
Bridesmaids Party
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Brides may treat their bridesmaids to a special lunch before the wedding. A bride might like to throw a party for her bridesmaids to show her appreciation. If she does, she is responsible for paying for the party. The party may be lavish, such as a luncheon in a restaurant, or casual, such as a backyard barbecue at home.
Beauty
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A bride may want her hair and makeup styled professionally. The bride is always supposed to pay for her own hair and makeup, if they are being styled professionally. Sometimes, the bride likes to pay for her mother and future mother-in-law to have their hair styled and nails done as well. The bridesmaids are usually left to pay for their own hair and makeup, if they decide to have it done professionally.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bride image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com Groom image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com ring image by Joanna Redesiuk from Fotolia.com red dress and flowers in line bridesmaid gown image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com silver thank you image by Brett Mulcahy from Fotolia.com wedding guest book image by SKYDIVECOP from Fotolia.com formal hair head up do style hairstyle image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com Bride Veil B image by Francois du Plessis from Fotolia.com
