Chicago Wedding & Party Resource 2019-20

WEDDING PLANNER CHICAGOWEDDINGRESOURCE.COM CHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE FALL & WINTER 2019 | 47 Who Is Responsible? Wedding responsibilities and/or expenses can be paid for and split up in any manner that works for your particular situation. However, the one thing that is important is to discuss who pays for what, how much can be budgeted for each expense and who has specific responsibilities for each task. Don’t leave any of these important details to chance. The couple should have a complete understanding of who will pay for each expense. Traditionally, the following responsibilities go as follows: Bride • Involved in organizing the entire wedding • Selects bridesmaids • Bridal gown & accessories • Bridesmaids' gifts • Shower hostess' gifts • Selects & mails out invitations • Bridemaids' luncheon or party • Groom's ring • Theme and/or colors • Formal or informal wedding • Party favors • Makes beauty appointments Bride and/or Bride’s Parents • Establishes a budget • Rehearsal & wedding guest list • Seating plan for rehearsal & wedding • Morning after brunch • Out of town guests' hotel arrangements • Out of town guests' goody bags • Centerpieces, decorations, party favors • Photographer/videographer • Transportation for bridal party Groom • Bride's rings • Selects best man and groomsmen • Marriage license fees • Groomsmens' gifts • Groomsmens' party or event • Wedding night hotel • Pays for the bride’s bouquet Groom and/or Groom’s Parents • Their wedding guest list • Rehearsal dinner • Establishes a budget for rehearsal dinner • Seating plan for their guests Bride & Groom • Establishes who pays for what • Selects wedding rings • Chooses groom & groomsmens’ attire • Guest list of friends to invite • Wedding vows • Wedding music selections • Sending out thank you notes • Registry selections • Transportation • Honeymoon plans • Menu for rehearsal & wedding Bridesmaids • Helps to select their wedding attire • Purchases their wedding attire • Attends showers & engagement party • Attends rehearsal & rehearsal dinner • Attends morning after brunch • Shower gift • Wedding gift • Bachelorette party • Assist the bride as needed • Mingles with guests • Dances with groomsmen Groomsmen • Rent or purchase their attire • Attends showers and engagement party • Attends rehearsal & rehearsal dinner • Attends morning after brunch • Shower gift • Wedding gift • Bachelor party • Assist the groom as needed • Mingles with the guests • Dances with bridesmaids Maid of Honor • Assist the bride with dressing • Organizes all bridesmaids • May make a speech/toast at the rehearsal and/or reception • Holds the bouquet during the ceremony • Assist the bride as needed Best Man • Assist the groom with dressing • Organizes all groomsmen • May make a speech/toast at the rehearsal and/or reception • Makes sure the rings are at the ceremony • Returns the groom’s tux if required Mother/Father of the Bride • Rents or purchases their wedding attire • Attends all events/parties as required • Gives a speech/toast at all events • Greets and mingles with guests • Hosts morning after brunch • Oversees payment of all vendors • Escorts the bride down the aisle • Dances with wedding party and guests Mother/Father of the Groom • Rents or purchases their wedding attire • Attend all events/parties as required • Gives a speech/toast at all events • Greets and mingles with guests • Attends morning after brunch • May escort the groom down the aisle • Dances with wedding party and guests Pare down your guest list with the “tiers of priority” trick. Place immediate family, the bridal party, and best friends at the on top of the list; then follow with aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends you couldn’t imagine not being there. TIP