SocialBrides.co.uk|Social Network,Wedding Blog & Chat Sessions, Online Wedding Fair 2012

Weddings can be a minefield in terms of tradition and etiquette. Who pays for what? And how much should they pay? While a simple civil ceremony will set you back less than £50, the overwhelming majority of weddings cost between £5,000 and a staggering £15,000. To simplify and streamline the process (and minimise the stress), it’s best to arrive at a budget before you seriously begin planning, and to decide who is paying for what early on.

Tradition dictates that the cost of a wedding is covered by the bride’s father. However, the practice of parents covering the cost of a wedding is becoming less common, and the majority of weddings are funded by the bridal couple in question. Despite the added financial burden, in many ways paying for your own weddings offers an easier option, giving you full reign to exercise your own prerogative, without having to defer to the cost coverer. Aside from this, many couples are wary of asking their parents for financial assistance on the basis that their parents aren’t in a position to cover the costs. Should your parents wish to contribute, discuss and agree a set contribution to the budget to avoid any subsequent confusion. Regardless of parental involvement, you are likely to have to save to cover some of the costs, so it’s wise to work out a budget as soon as possible to allow yourself plenty of time to save.

To better enable you to navigate this minefield, we've compiled the following list:

The Bride's family

·         Wedding stationery and the engagement announcement in the local newspaper.

·         The cost of ceremony - including the flowers, registering banns, and the music.

·         The wedding cake and catering.

·         Overnight accommodation for close relatives on the bride’s side.

·         The bride's wedding dress, veil, accessories and shoes.

·         Transportation for the bride and bridal party.

·         The reception costs, including the venue, food, beverages, entertainment, wedding cake, favours.

·         The photographer and videographer.

·         The floral bouquets.

·         The church and the decorations for the reception.

·         The Bridesmaids' dresses and accompanying accessories.

·         Wedding presents for the newlyweds.

The Groom's family

·         The groom's attire.

·         The best man and ushers’ outfits.

·         The travel and accommodation expenses for the groom's family.

·         The corsages for the parents and buttonholes for the men.

·         Wedding presents for the bride and groom.

Bride and groom

·         The hen do and stag party.

·         Gifts for the parents, the attendants and the best man.

·         Any expenses that have exceeded the original budget.

·         The wedding night hotel.

·         The honeymoon.