Your Ultimate Wedding Bill Breakdown

Determining who pays for what wedding expenses can be a tricky topic. While every couple's financial situation is different, traditionally the wedding costs are shared between the bride's parents, the groom's parents, and the couple. Before you and your S.O. start setting a budget with one or both sets of parents, it's important to note how couples most commonly split the bill. Here's a traditional division of costs for you and your partner to use as guidelines when determining the best way to divide your wedding day expenses.

The bride's parents pay for... 

-Save the Dates, invitations, and paper products. 

- Wedding dress and accessories.

- All reception expenses including venue rental, decor, food, and alcoholic beverages. Sometimes, the future in-laws pay for the bar. 

- Bouquets and floral decorations for the ceremony and reception.

- Musicians for the ceremony. 

- Band or DJ for the reception. 

- Transportation for bridal party.

- Wedding photographer and videographer. 

- Bridesmaids' luncheon. 

Your partner's parents pay for... -

 - Your S.O.'s attire.

 - The rehearsal dinner, which includes invitations, venue rental, decor, food, and beverage. 

- Officiant's fee or donation. 

- Reception bar. 

- Band or DJ (sometimes paid for by the bride's family). 

- Transportation to ceremony for the groom and the groomsmen.

- Marriage license. 

- Boutonnieres or corsages for wedding party, ushers, immediate family members, and readers. 

The couple pays for... 

- Any wedding expenses that go beyond the budget given by parents.

- Engagement ring and wedding bands. 

- Gifts for each other on the wedding day (sometimes purchased by parents). 

- Gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen on the wedding day (also can be purchased by parents). 

- Honeymoon expenses. 

Remember that these aren't hard and fast rules. You, your partner, and your families should decide what makes the most sense, even if that breaks with tradition. According to experts Lizzie and Anna Post, while modern couples are taking on more of the financial burden and traditions continue to evolve, etiquette is still important. They note that if couples accept financial help, they must be willing to compromise on some of the parent's wishes for the wedding.