Who Pays for What?

In the modern world, it is not uncommon for a New York City 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:

• Ceremony location/decorations

• Reception location/decorations and service

• Food, beverages, and cake

• Bride's bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages

• 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

• Rehearsal dinner

• Groom's wedding clothes

• Marriage license and officiant's fee

• Honeymoon

Keep in mind that this list is not usually the norm- it's just a guideline. You should have your parents pay for 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 fiancé.