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WEDDING CREATIONS
with alexandra laVayen-jenkins

Wedding Responsibilities

The majority of couples are starting their planning sooner rather than later. Many questions might arise especially when it comes to money. Nearly all modern Brides and Grooms pay for their entire wedding on their own, reason being most couples nowadays are in their late 20’s early 30’s and are already established. Even those with the financial means should always welcome any extra help. Who couldn’t use extra money for more flowers, a longer honeymoon, or a down payment for a home?

One question which usually comes up when a couple announces their engagement is, “Who is responsible for paying for the wedding?” Traditionally the Bride’s family acquires the majority of expenses. My advice would be to divide costs between the Bride, Groom and each set of parents. For the more modern couple you can use traditional guidelines (as seen below) to get started and you can adjust the information below to fit your own personal needs. Every couple should sit down with each set of parents and determine who could help with what. Determining a budget early on and making things clear to your parents will save a lot of confusion and heartache down the line. Some couples are very old fashioned and prefer to do it the Time-honored way. For those couples below you will find a guideline that will help you determine who is responsible for what.

BRIDE/BRIDE'S FAMILY

Arrangements for out of town guests (Groom’s family can also assist in this department)
Breakfast on Wedding Day
Bride’s blood tests/medical checkup (required in some states)
Bridesmaids Thank you gifts
Ceremony Costs (Church fee, etc.)
Ceremony Decorations
Ceremony/Reception Flowers
Entertainment (DJ, Band, etc.)
Favors
Flowers (bridesmaids bouquets, all corsages, ceremony flowers)
Gratuities/Tips for services
Groom’s gift
Grooms wedding ring
Guest Book
Invitations, thank you cards, announcements, mailing expenses, etc.
Party rental items/supplies (chairs, tables, etc.)
Photographer
Printed items such as napkins, matchbooks, etc.
Programs
Reception costs (hall fee, etc.)
Undergarments for Wedding Dress (corset, petticoat, etc.)
Videographer
Wedding Consultant/Coordinator's Fee
Wedding Dress, Veil and accessories

GROOM/GROOM'S FAMILY

Alcohol at the reception
Arrangements for out of town guests
Bride's wedding gift
Bride's wedding rings
Flowers (Bridal bouquet, all boutonnieres)
Groomsmen’s Thank you gifts
His blood tests/medical checkup (required in some states)
Honeymoon
Limousine costs
Marriage License
Officiant Fee
Rehearsal Dinner expenses
Wedding Attire

ATTENDANTS/USHERS

Any necessary travel expenses
Shower gift
Wedding attire and accessories
Wedding gift for the newlyweds

I know all of this can be so overwhelming. You need to focus on your budget. Make sure you sit down and estimate how much everything will cost. Most service providers will offer a free consultation. After your consultation most type up an itemized proposal of expenses. Another way to go is the Wedding/Event Coordinator route. Most Wedding/Event coordinators will sit down with you and help you come up with an ideal budget and will know which vendors will best fit your financial needs.

Remember the national average cost of a wedding with 5 Bridal attendants and 200 guests is $28,000. So please start saving and planning early. Once a budget is set and everyone knows what is expected of him or her then the biggest obstacle has been conquered.

Happy Planning!

about alexandra laVayen-jenkins

Alexandra LaVayen-Jenkins resides in beautiful Southern California with her Husband and Son. She is the owner of Custom Creations, an event and wedding planning company located in Long Beach, CA (562)505-1421. Having planned numerous events, including her own lavish May 2003 wedding to her Husband Nicholas, Alexandra attributes her success to her multi-cultural background. Alexandra’s special niche is that she is able to incorporate traditions from different ethnicities into her event planning.