Forget the rule that says certain people have to pay for certain things! You no longer have to stick to certain outdated rules when it comes to weddings, such as the bride’s parents footing the bill for the majority of the wedding.  These days, many couples are splitting the costs evenly among themselves, with and without their parents.Take a look at the traditional cost breakdown of a wedding for reference, but keep in mind that no one is required to follow these rules — it all depends on your own situation.

Old Rules: Wedding and reception expenses for a first marriage are traditionally the sole responsibility of the bride’s family. When paying, they get to determine the size and style of the wedding and reception. The groom’s family may offer to share in the cost of the reception, and the bride’s family may accept in order to accommodate a larger wedding.

New Rules: Both families may divide the expenses as their budget allows, or each family can contribute a set amount to the total expenses. Take a look at the traditional cost breakdown, listed below for reference. Keep in mind that no one is required to follow these rules — it all depends on your own situation.

The Bride’s Family: 

-Church and reception site rental
-Cake, catering and beverages for the reception
-Invitations, announcements and stationery
-Services of a wedding consultant
-The bridal attire
-Photography for the engagements, bridal portraits, ceremony and reception
-Flowers for the church, reception and the bridesmaids
-Corsages for special helpers
-Music at the ceremony and reception
-Limousine for the bride and family to the church, and cars for transportation
-Lodging for out-of-town bridesmaids or arrangements with friends
-Security and insurance
-Wedding favorsThe Groom or His Family:
-The bride’s engagement and wedding rings
-Marriage license
-Officiant’s fee and travel expenses
-Bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage
-Corsages for the mothers and grandmothers
-Boutonnieres for the men of the wedding party
-Wedding gift for the bride
-Limousine expense leaving reception — or for the day
-Wedding night accommodations
-Honeymoon trip
-Gifts for the best man and groomsmen
-Lodging or arrangements for out-of-town groomsmen
-Rehearsal dinner

The Bride:
-Groom’s wedding ring
-Groom’s gift
-Gifts for the bride’s attendants
-Thank you gift for parents
-Bridesmaid’s luncheon (optional event)

Other Expenses:
-Engagement parties may be hosted by each set of parents or friends
-Groom’s family or engaged couple may co-host or host the entire wedding event
-The groom’s family or friends usually give the bachelor dinner or party