The groom and his family pay for:

Bride's Engagement and Wedding Rings

Complete Wedding Trip

Gifts for Best Man and Ushers

Lodging for out-of-town Ushers

Boutonnieres

Gloves or Ties needed for Men of Wedding Party

Marriage License

Clergyman's Fee (You should inquire -- fees differ)

Wedding Gift for Bride

Optional Expenses

Attendants' dresses are usually bought by each woman, the bride may provide them if she wishes.

Corsages for mothers and grandmothers are usually provided by the bride for her own mother and grandmother.

The bride's bouquet, which is usually a gift from the groom, may be purchased by the bride's family.

Rehearsal dinner, usually given by the groom's family, may be given by the bride's family or friends.

Bachelor's dinner is given by groom or his family, may be given by the bride's family and or friends.

The wedding rehearsal

All weddings with more than two attendants should be rehearsed two or three days prior to the event, at the convenience of the clergyman officiating. If there are any child attendants such as a flower girl or ring bearer they can practice walking down the aisle. Rehearsals are most often held in the evening, preceded or followed by a rehearsal party. This would be an ideal time to present your attendants with any gifts you have selected for them, expressing your thanks for sharing your special day.

The day of your wedding

The number one rule is 'DO NOT PANIC." No matter how well you have planned, you may find that something unexpected happens. Don't share the problem with every- one, talk with the professional responsible or have someone in charge of the "unexpected' items that happen. Always allow extra time for any difficulties. You can borrow your mother's wedding band, the license can be signed anytime. No matter what happens or who does what, remained poised and beautiful. This is your special day, so relax and remain calm. You must continue with your ceremony except in dire emergencies.

Second weddings

There is only one rule of thumb for second marriages: "It is your wedding day and may be as formal or informal as you would prefer." Any color or style, including white for your gown is appropriate. The number of attendants is also optional. Your children may also be included as members of the wedding party. All options and rules of etiquette are available to you.

Your honeymoon

The word honeymoon literally means "Moon of Honey." There is some historic significance in this, in that Europeans drank a special beverage, a honey wine, for a month after the wedding -- hence the "Honeymoon." The place and duration of the honeymoon will depend on the time available to you and your future spouse and your financial resources. This is usually the groom's expense, unless a honeymoon trip has been provided as a gift by either or both parents.

Returning from your honeymoon

Notify your parents and family that you are home. Invite them to dinner. Don't forget to thank them for all their help and cooperation that went into planning your wedding day

Change all addresses if needed, such as: driver's licenses, credit cams, insurance policies, etc. This also includes changing your name on any necessary licenses, credit cams and policies. Notify any business associates of any changes in name and address.

Select your wedding photographs. Have a party inviting members of your wedding party to view your wedding and honeymoon pictures.

Check your wedding gifts. If you find that you have received duplicates, or ones that aren't quite to your taste, return them immediately.

Work out a budget on a weekly and monthly basis. Discuss with each other and a lawyer the need for insurance, such as homeowner's insurance, health benefits and maternity benefits on your medical insurance.