What Is the Bride's Family Responsible For?
When your daughter gets engaged, you may wonder about the costs that you and your family will be expected to pay for the wedding. It is important to remember that, although customs exist that specify what the groom's family pays for and what the bride's family pays for, these plans often are switched around. Sometimes, the bride and groom pay for the entire wedding as a couple without the help of family members. Traditionally, however, there are certain things the bride's family pays for in a wedding.
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Gown and Accessories
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It is traditional that the bride's family pay for the bride's gown and accessories for the wedding ceremony. This includes the gown, veil, shoes and any hair pieces and other jewelry that accompanies the dress. However, a bride may choose to purchase the wedding gown and accessories for herself, especially if her style differs extremely from her parents' taste. Communicate with your daughter about what you are comfortable spending on a dress before going dress shopping to avoid conflict.
Flower Arrangements
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The flower arrangements for the ceremony, as well as any flower arrangements included in the reception decor, traditionally are paid for by the bride's parents. Flowers are a large expense during many weddings, as the bride usually carries a bouquet, as do all women in the bridal party. Flowers also are often used to decorate the venue for the ceremony. If you are looking to save money on floral arrangements, consider flowers that are not in season during the wedding or consider using something other than flowers for decorations.
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Ceremony Expenses
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Other ceremony expenses, other than the flower arrangements, also are traditionally paid for by the family of the bride. Some typical ceremony expenses are the rental cost of the wedding facility, cost of transportation to and from the ceremony and the cost of music to be played at the ceremony. The bride's family also typically pays for the wedding photographer, who takes pictures during and after the ceremony. Although these expenses are commonly paid for by the bride's family, you should not feel pressured into paying for an extravagant wedding ceremony that is too far out of your budget.
Reception Expenses
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The reception expenses also are traditionally paid for by the bride's family. Remember, however, that some reception locations may be extremely expensive. You should not feel as though you must pay for whatever venue the bride and groom choose. Instead, communicate with them about your concerns and try to find an agreement that works for both of you. Costs of the reception typically include the cake, other food and drink, music, decorations and rental cost of the venue.
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References
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