Wedding Money

Everyone knows someone who has been married or has been a member of a wedding party. Weddings have not really changed too much over the centuries. Basic rules and decorum still stand the test of time during the ceremony and reception. People basically know their roles and responsibility during this rite of passage.

However, wedding money remains one topic that seems to be a little confusing for most couples and families. Basically, it comes down to the question, who pays for what? One would think that sources of wedding money are common knowledge, but I recently was put to the test, and failed miserably.

First of all, I was shocked that most of the expenses seem to fall on the bride’s family. This side of the party has to come up with wedding money for a number of things. They pay for the reception hall, the caterer and the entertainment for the reception festivities. Not only do they provide wedding money for the food and entertainment, but for the decorations, too.

Parents of the bride also pay for the church or location of the nuptials. I was really surprised by this because I just assumed that the bride and groom would be responsible for this. I was equally surprised that the parents of the bride come up with wedding money for invitations as well.

It seems as if the parents of the groom have to come up with a lot less wedding money for the occasion. They pay for the rehearsal dinner and for liquor served at the reception, if any. I was surprised that this was the only things on the list of responsibilities for this side of the party.

However, this does make some sense if we look at the history of wedding money in general. Years and years ago, the bride’s family would offer a dowry to go with their daughter. Perhaps the division of duties among the families reflects that basic concept.

I continued down through the rest of the list and was struck by the groom’s responsibilities. I think that we can let his parents slide on some of the wedding money. The groom may need a loan from them after all is said and done. The bride was not responsible for any wedding money whatsoever.

After reading about wedding money in the etiquette book, I began to think how lucky my husband and I were that we simply financed the whole thing ourselves.