It can be a bit confusing when trying to figure out who is to pay for what, especially when it comes to the bride and groom.  Brides and grooms sometimes feel obligated to pay for everything, while others don’t feel the need to pay for anything.  You invited these people to your wedding, so they should shoulder some of the financial responsibility… right?

Though the whole “who pays for what” depends somewhat on culture and family expectations, there are certain guidelines about what the bride and groom are to pay for when it comes to their wedding party.

The Bouquets

When it comes to the maid of honor and bridesmaids’ bouquets, the responsibility to pay for these are all on the bride and groom.  Make sure you make arrangements to have these made up while you are also having your centerpieces and any other floral arrangements done.  Having a big order all at once will give you a greater discount than if you were to go back to the florist at a later date and ask for the bride and bridal party bouquets.

The Boutonnieres

This is another item that the grooms are expected to provide and pay for when it comes to their best man and their groomsmen.  You and your bride can select a boutonniere based on your theme and wedding colors at the same time you are ordering the flowers for your big day.

The Transportation

Though you are not on the hook to pay for everyone’s transportation, when it comes to your wedding party you should be paying for a limo or a party bus to swing by and pick them up.

NOTE:  If you are having a destination wedding which does not allow people to have their own personal vehicles to travel in, you should generally be paying for their transportation from the hotel and to the wedding ceremony and reception.

The Rehearsal Dinner

For anyone who is at the rehearsal dinner, the bride and groom should generally pay for the meal (unless their families agree to pay for it).  Your attendants should not have to take out their wallets and put any money down on the meal.

The Accommodations

In some cases, it may be appropriate to arrange and pay for your attendants accommodations.   If you are having a destination wedding, this can be rather costly and is generally not an expectation of any guests who are coming. Guests who are going to a destination wedding know full well that they will need to save up and pay for their own accommodations.

The Gifts

Any person who is a part of the wedding party deserves a gift, which by no means should be paid for by them. This is something that a bride and groom should do to show their appreciation.  Make it a thoughtful gift that is a reflection of each person’s own character, rather than buying them all the same generic item that does not speak to their own personality and taste.