Budget & who pays4 min read
Who pays for what in a wedding? Tradition vs today
The traditional split between families, how most couples actually handle it now, and how to talk about money without awkwardness.
Free tool · Budget & who pays: Who pays & cost splitter
Three money questions couples ask most: how much of the wedding do family contributions cover, how should we split shared costs when our incomes differ, and what does each person owe for the bachelorette trip?
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Confirmed$25,00083% of your total
Still to find$5,000Save more, trim the guest list, or lower the total.
Our savings50%$15,000
Partner A’s family20%$6,000
Partner B’s family13%$4,000
Count only contributions whose amount and timing are agreed. Ask what expectations come with each one before you rely on it.
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Want it on paper or in a spreadsheet? Have these talks before you book anything is a free fillable pdf you can keep.
Get it free See all fiveHow to use it
- 01Choose what you are splitting.
- 02Enter the confirmed contributions, incomes or group costs.
- 03Compare the result together and save or print it.
Good to know
Who traditionally pays for the wedding?
Tradition assigned most costs to the bride’s family. Today most couples pay for at least part themselves, often with contributions from both families.
Is splitting by income fair?
Many couples find it fairer than 50/50 when incomes differ, because each keeps the same share of their pay for personal spending.
Read with this tool
The thinking behind the numbers.
Married life2 min read
Money as newlyweds: accounts, budgets and first goals
Joint, separate or both; splitting costs fairly; emergency funds; insurance, beneficiaries and taxes to update.
Showers, parties & weekend3 min read
Bachelorette and bachelor parties: etiquette, budgets and ideas
Who plans and pays, how to keep it affordable, ideas for non-drinkers and a checklist for a great weekend.
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