When it comes to planning a wedding, setting a budget is one of the most important steps. But before you can decide how much you can spend on your special day, you'll need to figure out who is responsible for paying for the wedding. Traditionally, the bride's family would cover most of the expenses, but today, couples often pay for their own wedding or share the costs with their families. To help couples plan their big day, Insider spoke to experts about what brides should budget for the most money when planning their weddings.
According to Miller, couples should allocate most of their budget to their venue, catering services, alcohol and flowers. All of these services require a lot of time and labor, which is why they end up costing so much. Additionally, Miller noted that wedding planning can take so long that it often ends up costing couples more money not hiring a planner. Be sure to consider the direct correlation between the number of guests and total spending: the more people, the more the wedding will cost.
However, there are many wedding expenses (from a coordinator to flowers and decoration) that are often shared between the bride and her family. Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the rental rates associated with the wedding ceremony and reception venues. The bride's family also pays for the most expensive expenses, such as the wedding planner, the bachelorette party and the costs of receiving the ceremony (music, gifts to guests, rentals, etc). Think about everything from invitations and stationery (with the exception of invitations to the rehearsal dinner) to lodging for the bridesmaids.
Bridesmaids, groomsmen, groomsmen and other members of the wedding party must cover certain expenses, such as outfits such as bridesmaid dresses and groomsman suits or tuxedos, travel, lodging, gifts, and more. From an etiquette perspective, remember that money equals control - whoever pays for the wedding can actively participate in decision-making.
