Planning a wedding involves a lot of decisions—one of the biggest being how to manage the budget. A common question that arises is, "Who pays for what?" Traditionally, certain wedding expenses were assigned to either the bride's family or the groom's family. However, modern weddings are much more flexible, and couples are increasingly finding ways to share costs based on what works best for their circumstances.
At Chapman Hill, an elegant event venue near Jefferson, we understand the complexities of wedding budgeting, and we’re here to help. In this blog, we'll break down some guidelines for who traditionally pays for what, along with modern alternatives that couples can adopt to suit their needs. Additionally, we'll offer tips on how to plan a wedding budget and the questions to ask when booking a venue to ensure your finances are in order.
photo - @summlight_photography
Traditional Breakdown: Who Pays for What?
Historically, wedding expenses were split between the bride's and groom's families. Here’s a traditional breakdown:
Bride’s Family: Traditionally, the bride’s family covers the bulk of wedding costs, including the venue, catering, wedding planner, invitations, photographer, and floral arrangements. They also handle the cost of the bride’s attire and accessories.
Groom’s Family: The groom’s family typically pays for the rehearsal dinner, the officiant’s fee, and sometimes transportation or accommodations for out-of-town guests. The groom’s family also traditionally covers the groom's attire and the honeymoon.
Bride and Groom: The couple is usually responsible for personal items like wedding rings, gifts for each other, and gifts for the bridal party.
photo - @valentino_lauren @kchesbro | floral - @jldesignsweddings | coordinator - @georgiadollevents
Modern Approach to Wedding Expenses
In today’s world, wedding expenses are often shared between the couple, their families, or even entirely covered by the couple themselves. Couples are finding more flexibility in who contributes to what, with many deciding to split costs based on individual preferences or financial capabilities.
Here are a few modern approaches to consider:
Splitting Costs Evenly: Many couples and families now prefer to split the costs evenly between both sides. This approach ensures that no one family bears the entire burden, and it also encourages collaboration in planning the big day.
Couple Covers Everything: More couples today are taking on the entire financial responsibility for their wedding. This can offer more freedom in decision-making, but it requires careful planning to avoid overspending.
Sharing Specific Responsibilities: Another modern approach is dividing the responsibilities based on preference or ability. For example, one family might handle the cost of the venue and catering, while the other covers entertainment and decorations. This allows everyone to contribute in a way that feels comfortable.
photo - @kaitvictoriaphoto | florals - @jldesignsweddings | coordinator - @georgiadollevents
When you book at Chapman Hill, we work closely with you and your families to ensure transparency in our pricing, making it easier for you to determine how to allocate costs. Whether you’re splitting expenses between families or taking on the budget yourselves, we offer the flexibility you need to plan your dream wedding at our venue near Jefferson.
Questions to Ask When Booking a Venue
To ensure that your wedding budget is on track, it’s essential to ask the right questions during the venue booking process. Here are some questions to ask when booking a venue:
What’s included in the venue rental fee? At Chapman Hill, our venue rental includes access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, tables, chairs, set up of our items and clean up as well as lighting. Be sure to ask about what’s included to avoid any surprises.
Are there any additional fees? Some venues charge extra for services like cleaning, parking, or overtime. Always ask if there are any additional charges that aren’t listed in the initial quote.
Is a deposit required to secure the date? Most venues, including Chapman Hill, will require an initial payment when booking. Be sure to understand the initial payment terms and when the remaining balance is due.
What is the cancellation policy? Weddings can sometimes face unexpected changes, so it’s important to know the venue’s cancellation policy. Ask if payments are refundable or if there’s a fee for rescheduling.
Can I use my own vendors, or do I need to choose from a preferred list? Chapman Hill allows flexibility with vendors, but some venues may have restrictions. Be sure to clarify if you can bring in your own florist, caterer, or photographer, or if you need to choose from a preferred list of vendors.
photo - @johnandkymcreativeco
How to Plan a Wedding Budget
Once you’ve decided who will be paying for what, it’s time to plan your wedding budget. A well-thought-out budget is essential for keeping your finances in check and ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Set a Total Budget: First, decide on a total amount you’re comfortable spending. This includes everything from the venue and catering to attire and photography.
Allocate Funds by Priority: Next, determine your priorities. Are you dreaming of a showstopping venue like Chapman Hill? Do you want to invest in top-tier photography? Allocate more of your budget to the areas that are most important to you.
Track Expenses: Keep track of your spending along the way. Use spreadsheets, budgeting apps, or even wedding planning software to ensure you stay within your limits.
Include a Contingency Fund: It’s always a good idea to set aside a small percentage of your budget as a contingency fund for any unexpected expenses that may arise, such as last-minute decor changes or extra guests.
photo - @johnandkymcreativeco
Planning Your Dream Wedding at Chapman Hill
At Chapman Hill, we understand that planning a wedding involves balancing your vision with your budget. As a 17-acre indoor and outdoor event venue near Jefferson, we offer flexible packages and pricing options to help make your dream day come to life without breaking the bank. Whether you’re following a traditional approach to wedding expenses or adopting a modern, shared approach, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to start planning your big day, we’d love to invite you for a tour of our beautiful venue. Our team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the booking process, and help you design a wedding that fits both your style and budget. Contact us today to schedule your visit!
Welcome to the Chapman Hill family!
photo - @psalmandsparrow
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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