Who Traditionally Pays for What in a Wedding? A Clear Breakdown of Costs

Weddings are joyful, but they’re also expensive. And no matter how much you love your partner, figuring out who pays for what can turn a happy planning process into a stressful negotiation. The truth? There’s no single rule anymore. But if you’re looking for a clear starting point - something that still holds weight with families and helps avoid awkward conversations - the traditional breakdown still offers a solid map.

Who Pays for the Wedding Venue?

The venue is usually the biggest single expense. Traditionally, the bride’s family covers the cost of the wedding venue. This includes the rental fee, catering setup, and sometimes even the staff tips. It’s tied to the idea that the bride’s family hosts the event. But here’s the reality: in 2025, nearly 60% of couples pay for the venue themselves, according to a survey by The Knot. If your parents offer to pay, great. If they don’t, or if you’re paying out of pocket, that’s completely normal - and no one will think less of you.

What About the Reception and Catering?

These usually come bundled with the venue. If the bride’s family is covering the venue, they’re also expected to cover the reception food and drinks. That means the open bar, the cake, the appetizers, and the plated dinner. But if you’re having a smaller, more casual reception - say, a backyard BBQ or a brunch at a local diner - the cost might be split differently. Many modern couples now budget for food separately and choose what fits their style, whether that’s a $200 per person sit-down dinner or a $50 per person taco station.

The Groom’s Family: What Do They Pay For?

The groom’s family traditionally handles a few key items: the rehearsal dinner, the officiant’s fee, and sometimes the marriage license. The rehearsal dinner is often seen as a thank-you to the wedding party and close family. It’s usually held the night before the wedding and can range from a casual pizza night to a fancy restaurant. The cost isn’t fixed - $500 or $5,000 - but it’s typically less than the main reception. The officiant’s fee is another common expectation. Even if you’re having a secular ceremony, many families still cover this small but meaningful cost.

What Does the Bride’s Family Pay For?

Beyond the venue and reception, the bride’s family traditionally pays for: the bride’s wedding dress and accessories, the bridesmaids’ dresses (or a contribution toward them), the engagement party, and the wedding invitations. They also often cover the cost of the wedding planner, if one is hired, and the photography and videography. But here’s where it gets messy: many brides now pay for their own dress. Bridesmaids often buy their own dresses. And many couples handle invitations themselves. The tradition is fading fast - and that’s okay.

What About the Groom and His Party?

The groom pays for his own suit or tuxedo. He’s also expected to buy the wedding ring for his bride. The groomsmen typically pay for their own attire, unless the groom or his family chooses to cover it. The groom’s family might also pay for the honeymoon if they’re able - but this is no longer a rule. In fact, many couples now save for their honeymoon together or use gift money to fund it.

Who Pays for the Wedding Rings?

Traditionally, the groom buys the bride’s ring, and the bride buys the groom’s ring. But in practice, most couples buy each other’s rings together - often splitting the cost or using joint savings. If one partner is paying for both, that’s fine too. The key is communication. Don’t assume someone else will pay. Talk about it early.

What About the Wedding Party?

Bridesmaids are expected to cover their own dresses, shoes, undergarments, and hair/makeup. Some brides offer to pay for hair and makeup as a gift, but it’s not required. Groomsmen pay for their own suits, ties, and shoes. The couple often pays for transportation to and from the venue for the wedding party, especially if it’s far from where everyone is staying. If you’re asking your friends to spend hundreds of dollars to be in your wedding, it’s thoughtful to at least cover their travel if it’s out of town.

Photography, Music, and Other Vendors

Photography and videography used to be the bride’s family’s responsibility. Today, most couples pay for these themselves. Same goes for music: whether it’s a live band, a DJ, or a playlist through Spotify, the cost is now typically shared or covered by the couple. Florists? Traditionally the bride’s family. Now, it’s often part of the overall wedding budget the couple manages. The same goes for rentals - chairs, linens, lighting, tents. These aren’t “family expenses” anymore. They’re part of your event budget.

Modern Alternatives: How Couples Are Paying Now

Here’s what’s actually happening in 2025:

• 42% of couples pay for the entire wedding themselves
• 30% split costs with both sets of parents
• 15% have one set of parents cover most of it
• 13% get partial help from extended family or friends

Many couples use a hybrid model: parents pay for the venue and reception, the couple pays for photography and music. Or, parents contribute a set amount - say $10,000 - and the couple covers the rest. This avoids pressure and keeps things fair. Setting a budget together, then asking parents how much they can contribute, is the cleanest way to handle it.

What to Do When Families Don’t Want to Pay

If your parents say they can’t or won’t contribute, don’t take it personally. Financial stress is real. Many families are dealing with mortgages, medical bills, or retirement savings. Instead of feeling guilty, focus on what you can control. Start with your own savings. Cut back on non-essentials - maybe skip the live string quartet, go for a weekday wedding, or choose a less expensive venue. You can still have a beautiful day without breaking the bank. A wedding isn’t a measure of love - it’s a celebration of it.

Final Tip: Talk Early, Talk Often

The biggest mistake couples make? Waiting to talk about money until the last minute. Don’t wait until you’ve booked the venue and then ask your parents for help. Have the conversation before you sign anything. Say something like: “We’re thinking about our wedding budget and wanted to know if you’d be open to contributing to any part of it.” Be specific. Ask if they’d like to cover the venue, the reception, or a set dollar amount. Give them time to think. And be ready for a “no.” That’s okay. Your wedding doesn’t need to be funded by anyone but you.

At the end of the day, the best wedding isn’t the one with the most expensive flowers or the fanciest venue. It’s the one where you’re not stressed about money, where your family isn’t strained, and where you start your marriage with peace, not debt.