All aboard the Awkward express!

Following the rush of excitement that comes along with the engagement and initial planning, that slightly unpleasant conversation is lurking in the shadows, waiting to jump out at you & your future Mother-In-Law at brunch {over a few too many mimosas!} It’s not the most fun topic of conversation, but figuring out who is contributing to your wedding (and how much) is vital to planning your wedding budget. Use this MMW guide and turn the ol’ tricky task into just another easy assignment:

$ $ $ $ $

THE BRIDE PAYS FOR:

• The groom’s wedding ring
• The groom’s wedding gift
• Bridesmaids’ gifts
• Personal stationery

THE GROOM PAYS FOR:

• The bride’s engagement & wedding ring
• The bride’s wedding gift
• The groomsmen’s gifts
• The marriage license
• Clergy/judge fee
• The boutonnieres
• Transportation
• The bride’s bouquet
  

THE BRIDE’S FAMILY PAYS FOR:

• The invitations
• Services of the bridal consult
• Wedding gift for the newlyweds
• The bride’s gown & accessories
• The church/reception music
• Flowers for the church/venue
• Bridesmaids’ bouquets
• Transportation for the bridal party
• The reception fee
• Catering
• The wedding cake
• Gratuities
• Photography
• Videography
• Their own attire
• Their own lodging

THE GROOM’S FAMILY PAYS FOR:

• Their own attire
• Their own loding
• The rehearsal dinner/luncheon
• A wedding gift for the newlyweds

THE BRIDESMAIDS PAY FOR:

• Their dresses + accessories
• Transportation to and from the city (where the wedding is being held)
• The bride’s gift
• Bridal shower or luncheon
• Bachelorette party

THE GROOMSMEN PAY FOR:

• Their suits/tuxedos + accessories
• Transportation to and from the city (where the wedding is being held)
• The groom’s gift
• Bachelor party

. . . 

THERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ASSUMING THE SELECTED PARTIES WILL PAY FOR SAID ITEMS – ARE THEY FINANCIALLY STABLE {CURRENTLY EMPLOYED/NOT IN DEBT} + WILLING? CONSIDER WHAT YOU AND YOUR BEAU-TO-BE CAN PAY FOR YOURSELVES, THEN DISCUSS THE DETAILS WITH YOUR WEDDING PARTY. AT THE END OF THE DAY, A HAPPY FAMILY IS WORTH MORE THAN EXPENSIVE CENTERPIECES. NEVER LET EXPENSES COME BETWEEN LOVED ONES! FACTOR IN YOUR OWN UNIQUE WEDDING EXPENSES AS YOU GO.

HAPPY PLANNING

{IMAGES: 2 BRIDES PHOTOGRAPHY}