Who pays what in a traditional wedding?
by
10 July 2019
Nowadays weddings have changed and so has the organization. Some time ago couples followed traditions that wanted a strict division of the costs, but today things have changed and there’s more freedom when it comes to pay a wedding.
The bride’s expenses: from the dowry to the furniture
In the past, families had to pay for their daughters because at that time women weren’t financially independent. Usually the bride’s parents gave her the family’s goods and contributed to the total budget. Moreover, there was the tradition of a trousseau, namely everything the couple needs for a long time. It included: sheets, pillowcases, linen towels embroidered by grandmothers etc; the total pieces were generally 12. In addition to this, there was the kitchen trousseau with glasses, coffee sets, tea and breakfast sets, dishes, cookware and so on…nowadays no one follows this tradition anymore and the bride buys herself whatever she needs.
Once before, families had to pay for wedding invitations, party favors and sugared almonds too. The bride’s wedding dress was paid by her family, as well as the bridesmaids’ dresses. Other costs included the party, floral decorations, church offers, the photographer, music and entertainment and the furniture; except for the mattress, which was bought by the groom.
The groom’s expenses: from the house to the honeymoon
The groom’s family had to pay for weddings rings, the bride’s bouquet, the car rent, the feast, the honeymoon and the furniture. These were general traditions, but depending on the area, people used to pay for different things.
The wedding party nowadays
In the recent years things have changed and traditions are broken. Thanks to more financial independence, the couple can totally afford the wedding expenses and they can organize it according to their taste. The trousseau is replaced with a wedding registry that allows the guests to buy stuff the couple really needs. Actually, the registry too is being replaced with travel agencies, where the guests can pay for a honeymoon. There’s a real revolution that involves the overall organization of a wedding.
Fancy parties
Think about the idea of reception. Once, a classic reception meant a lunch in your own house or in a restaurant, but today people celebrate in beautiful villas, ancient country houses or on the sea side. There’s a different concept of reception, which means a dynamic and unique party with an elegant feast on the poolside or in colored gardens.
