Salt Lake Bride
    VendorsEventsReviews
    Planning
    All Planning Tools
    Wedding ChecklistBudget CalculatorStyle Match QuizGuest List ManagerWedding RegistryWedding CountdownWedding Website
    BlogAboutContact
    Win Free PrizesSign InCreate Account
    Back to Blog

    Wedding Expenses - Who Pays What

    Salt Lake Bride Editorial Team
    September 13, 2006
    In the modern world, it is not uncommon for the couple to pay for everything themselves. Either because they are well-off financially or they think it is too awkward to ask their parents to pitch in. If you do happen to have both parents willing and able to help out with the costs, here's the traditional list of who pays what: Bride and/or her family:
    • Grooms wedding ring
    • Ceremony location/decorations
    • Reception location/decorations and service
    • Food, beverages, and cake
    • Bride's bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages
    • Bridesmaids' luncheon
    • Bouquets for bridesmaids and flower girls
    • Floral arrangements for ceremony and reception
    • Invitations, announcements, and other stationery
    • Bride's dress, veil, and accessories
    • Photography and videography
    • Transportation of wedding party to ceremony and reception sites
    Groom and/or his family:
    • Bride's engagement ring and wedding bands
    • Transportation to the ceremony site
    • Bride's bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages
    • Rehearsal dinner
    • Groom's wedding clothes
    • Marriage license and officiant's fee
    • Honeymoon
    Attendants:
    • Their Wedding attire
    • Travel Costs
    • Bridal shower
    • Bachelor and Bachelorette parties
    Keep in mind that this list is not usually the norm- it's just a guideline. You should have your parents pay what they feel comfortable paying for, or what you feel comfortable letting them pay for. The rest should be picked up by you and your fiance.

    Found this helpful?

    Share this article with other couples planning their wedding!

    Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPin It

    More Articles

    Can You Get Married in Utah for Free?

    Can You Get Married in Utah for Free?

    The venue is probably going to be your biggest expense. Around $8,000 to $12,000 for a reception venue alone along the Wasatch Front. But there are genuinely beautiful places in Utah that cost nothing or close to nothing.

    Apr 17, 2026

    3 Insider Secrets to Planning a Seamless Utah Wedding in 2026

    3 Insider Secrets to Planning a Seamless Utah Wedding in 2026

    Apr 9, 2026

    Fresh, Romantic & In Bloom: Spring 2026 Wedding Trends

    Fresh, Romantic & In Bloom: Spring 2026 Wedding Trends

    Spring provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding! Beautiful bright colors, and great scenery just for your perfect day!

    Apr 6, 2026

    Get More Wedding Tips

    Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly wedding planning tips, vendor spotlights, and exclusive deals.

    Salt Lake Bride

    Utah wedding vendors, events, and reviews.

    Vendors

    • Wedding Venues
    • Photography
    • Caterers & Cakes
    • Florists
    • Wedding Planning
    • Regions
    • List Your Business

    Planning

    • Planning
    • Blog
    • Reviews
    • Bridal Shows

    Contact

    • Address

      3149 State Street A
      Salt Lake City, UT 84115
    • Phone

      (801) 792-6479
    • Email

      Contact Salt Lake Bride

    © 2026 Salt Lake Bride. All rights reserved.

    FAQPrivacyTermsSitemap