While there are many different ways to go about paying for a wedding, here is an outline of who traditionally pays for what...
The Bride: -Wedding band for the Groom -Gifts for her attendants -Personalized stationary, thank-you notes -Wedding gift for the Groom -Hair, makeup, beauty treatments -Accommodation for out-of-town bridesmaids The Groom: -Engagement ring and wedding band for the Bride -Gifts for his attendants -Fee for Officiant -The Marriage License -Wedding gift for the Bride -Bride's wedding bouquet -Boutonnieres for men in the wedding party -Corsages for the mothers, grandmothers and other distinguished ladies -Post-wedding transportation -Accommodation for out-of-town groomsmen The Bride's Family: -Costs of the Reception including food, music, rental fees, decorations and entertainment -The Bride's wedding dress/accessories -Wedding invitations, RSVP cards, postage -Wedding programs, seating assignment cards, napkins -Floral arrangements and bouquets for bridesmaids, plus any flowers for flower girl, ring bearer, and accessories -Transportation for the bridal party -Photography -Videography -Ceremony costs including rental fees and decorations -Gratuities for all services Groom's Family -Engagement party -Groom's wedding attire -Rehearsal dinner -Accommodations for wedding guests -Honeymoon expenses The Attendants: -Their wedding attire -Wedding gift to newlyweds -Travel expenses If the bride and groom are older, or their parents don't have enough resources, the bride and groom will typically pay for all of the wedding expenses themselves.
Another option is to decide on the budget for the wedding and then split it three ways.
The bride's family, the groom's family, and both the bride and groom each pay one third of the total cost of the wedding.