Wedding Etiquette

This article is based on proper wedding etiquette in an American wedding. Use as a guide to help to decide on, with family, who will pay for what.

The Bride
Groom's Wedding Band
Gifts for the Attendants
Accommodation for out-of-town Attendants
Wedding gift for the Groom

The Groom
Bride's Engagement ring and Wedding Band
Honeymoon
Wedding gift for the Bride
Marriage license
Groom's men gifts
Accommodation for out-of-town groom's men
Flowers for the Bride
Corsages for mothers, and special ladies
Boutonnieres for men in wedding party
Accessories for the men in the wedding party
Fee for clergyperson or judge

Bride's Family
Costs of the Reception and Ceremony
Bride's Wedding attire
Invitations, announcements, thank you notes (including mailing cost)
Photographer
Videographer
Flowers and accessories for Bridesmaids, Flower girl, and Ring bearer
Transportation for bridal party on Wedding day from Ceremony to Reception
All gratuities for all services: parking, tolls
Bridesmaid luncheon

Groom's Family
Clothing for the Wedding
Travel and lodging expenses
Rehearsal dinner
Wedding gift for the newlyweds

Maid or Matron of Honor
Her Dress and other attire
Travel expenses
One shower gift and one wedding gift
Share the cost of bridal shower

Bridesmaids
(Girls are not expected to help with cost.)
Their own dresses and other attire
Travel expenses
Only one shower gift and one wedding gift
Bridesmaids share the cost of the bridal shower with the maid of honor.

Flower Girl(s)
(Kids Under 6)
Families of flower girl(s) are expected to pay for their dress, other attire, and travel expenses. Flower girls are not expected to bring a gift to showers they may attend. If their parents attend, gift expectations would be the same as any other guest. If they attend more than one shower or party, only one shower gift is expected.
Flower girls are not responsible for helping financially with bridal shower.

Best Man
His formalwear and accessories
Travel expenses
One shower gift and one wedding gift
Share the cost of bachelor party

Groomsmen or Ushers
(Boys are not expected to help with cost.)
Their Formalwear and accessories
Travel expenses
One shower gift and one wedding gift
Groomsmen may share the cost of the bachelor party with the best man.

Ring Bearer and Trainbearer
(Kids Under 6)
Families of ring and train bearers are expected to pay for attire, and travel expenses. Ring and train bearers are not expected to bring gifts to any pre-wedding parties they may attend. If their parents attend gifts expectations would be the same as any other guest. If they attend more than one party, only one shower gift is expected.
Ring and Train bearer's are not responsible for helping financially with the bachelor party.

The Attendants
Their Wedding clothes
Travel expenses
Wedding gift for newlyweds

Good luck in all your planning. If you have any questions or need advise on wedding etiquette or other wedding related subjects please post it in are wedding chat section.