WeddingEtiquette

Traditional Breakdown of Expenses
Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories - The Bride's Family
Wedding Ring for Bride -------------------------- The Groom
Wedding Ring for Groom ------------------------ The Bride
Wedding Gift for Groom -------------------------- The Bride
Wedding Gift for Bride ---------------------------- The Groom
Bridesmaid Gifts ----------------------------------- The Bride
Groomsmen/Usher Gifts -------------------------- The Groom
Bride's Bouquet ------------------------------------ The Groom
Bridesmaid Bouquets ----------------------------- The Bride's Family
Mother's Corsages -------------------------------- The Groom
Grandmother Corsages -------------------------- The Bride's Family
Groom's Boutonniere ----------------------------- The Groom
Groomsmen Boutonnieres ----------------------- The Groom
Usher's Boutonnieres ----------------------------- The Groom
Ceremony/Reception Flowers ------------------- The Bride's Family
Altar Baskets/Arches ------------------------------The Bride's Family
Canopy/Carpet ------------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Kneeling Bench/Candleabras ------------------- The Bride's Family
Rented Items for Wedding ----------------------- The Bride's Family
Rented Items for Reception ---------------------- The Bride's Family
Invitations/Announcements ---------------------- The Bride's Family
Wedding Programs -------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Napkins/Matches/Printed Items ----------------- The Bride's Family
Marriage License ---------------------------------- The Groom
Medical Visit for Bride ----------------------------- The Bride
Medical Visit for Groom --------------------------- The Groom
Church Fee ----------------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Clergyman/Officiant Fee -------------------------- The Groom
Musician/Soloist ------------------------------------ The Bride's Family
Church Janitor -------------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Reception Hall Fee -------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Catered Reception/Professional Services ---- The Bride's Family
Wedding Photography ---------------------------- The Bride's Family
Videographer --------------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Orchestra/Band/DJ -------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Wedding Cake ------------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Wedding Favors ----------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Groom's Cake -------------------------------------- The Groom's Family
Rice or Bird Seed Bags --------------------------- The Bride's Family
Rehearsal Dinner ---------------------------------- The Grooms Family
Bridesmaid Luncheon ----------------------------- The Bride
Bachelor Party -------------------------------------- Best Man/Groom's Attendants
Wedding Breakfast -------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Bridal Brunch --------------------------------------- The Bride's Family
Bridesmaid's Gowns ------------------------------- Bridesmaid's
Maid of Honor Gown ------------------------------- Maid of Honor
Matron of Honor Gown ---------------------------- Matron of Honor
Best Man Formal Wear ---------------------------- Best Man
Usher's Formal Wear ------------------------------ Ushers
Formal Wear for Groomsmen -------------------- Groomsmen
Gloves/Ties/Ascots for Attendants -------------- The Groom
Father of Bride Formal Wear --------------------- Bride's Family
Father of Groom Formal Wear ------------------- Groom's Family
Children's Formal Wear ---------------------------- The Children's Parents
Limousine or Carriage Service -------------------- The Groom
Honeymoon Arrangements ------------------------- The Groom
Travel Expenses to the Wedding
The Out-of-town Attendant or Family Member Accommodations for out-of
town Guests ------------------------------------------ The Bride
Gifts for the Couple --------------------------------- Guest, Attendants and
Wedding Tipping
Tipping has always been a personal expression of gratitude for service given
and appreciated. The question of tipping those persons responsible for
assisting you in your wedding planning is one of obvious importance and
concern.
Gratuities are almost always added into the final bill, whether you have hired
a private catering company or are using one of the finest hotel facilities. The
question has been asked, "Is it proper to tip the servers, when I have already
paid a gratuity in my contracted price?" The answer is, of course, "tipping
has always been a personal expression of gratitude for service given and
appreciated." For instance, if a particular server has spent his evening
providing you service, over and above your expectations, and you choose to
give that individual a "tip," that choice is entirely up to you. It should be
given for extra special services only. It is not required, as the gratuity has, as
noted, already been paid. The customary amount would be up to 15%.
Others falling into the above category, include catering managers, hotel
banquet managers, waiters, waitresses, bartenders and bridal consultants.
Tipping a hostess or captain would fall in the 1% to 2% range. Remember,
this has already been added to your final bill and additional tipping is just
that. Additional tipping!
Coat Room Attendants: It is customary to give fifty cents per guest.
However, it may be to your advantage to arrange for a flat fee prior to the
event.
Limousine Driver: A tip of 15% is the appropriate amount to be given to
your limo driver. Be sure to read your contract, as the tip has often already
been added into the final bill.
Florists, Photographers, Bakers, Musicians, DJ's: Tipping only for extra
special services, up to 20%.
Civil Ceremony Officials: (Judge, Justice of the Peace, City Clerk) In years
gone by, it was considered improper to "ask" a set fee for services rendered.
However, today, you may find a "suggested" donation for those in public
service. In a recent survey, it was found the average gratuity was between
$75 and $250. If travel or other services above what would be expected are
involved, an additional gratuity is expected.
Clergymen, Rabbis, Priests: No less than a $75 donation is considered
proper and it is rare to find anyone giving less than a $100 gratuity for the
wedding officiant. This donation should be given to the best man prior to
the ceremony. Following the proceedings, he will then give it to the officiant.
If travel is involved, an additional gratuity is appreciated.
Organist and Musician: Fees for church organists and musicians are often
included in the rental fee for the church. When this is not the case, a
gratuity of no less than $35 is appropriate, but in a recent survey, the
average was $50 for each person. When the organist and musician (soloist)
are close friends of the couple or family, the gratuity averaged $75.