Ahh...wedding traditions. In the good ole' days, the bride's parents typically paid for the entire wedding. It was, and for those fortunate enough to have in-laws that still cling to tradition, is, a great deal for the groom and his family. Then, somewhere around the 1950s, the groom and his parents began covering the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon to Niagara Falls. GroomGroove.com happens to think that we've evolved just a little bit more in this new century. The groom's family is pitching in, and more and more, brides and grooms are paying for the wedding themselves, with limited financial contribution from the parents. The power of the purse strings may entail a venue and menu veto, minding the music and even power to invite guests that neither the bride or groom have ever met.

Before we get rolling on who pays for what in wedding planning, below is a basic rundown of who covers what, according to tradition that started back in Moses' time (or something like that):

• The engagement ring
• Wedding bands (the gold ring that you will wear and the ring that complements her engagement ring)
• Marriage license
• Officiant's fees
• Rehearsal dinner
• Groom's attire
• Gifts for the male attendants (aka the other players)
• Gift for bride
• Boutonnieres for the male attendants, including both fathers and grandfathers

• Wedding transportation expenses on the day of the wedding

• The honeymoon

• The engagement party
• The wedding gown and accessories
• Gifts for the bridal party
• Gift for groom
• All stationery (e.g. invitations, wedding announcements, ceremony and reception programs and thank you cards)
• Ceremony site rental, not including officiant's fee
• Decorations for ceremony site
• The reception, including room rental, meals, cake, beverages, caterer's fees, decorations, wedding favors and guest book
• Photographer and/or videographer
• Wedding entertainment
• All flowers, except for flowers worn by the groom, fathers, grandfathers and male attendants

Still with us? Let's continue.

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