Traditionally, the bride's family pays for most of the wedding expenses , including the wedding planner, invitations, dress, ceremony, reception, flowers, photography, and music. This custom dates back to when the bride’s family provided a dowry, symbolizing the "burden" taken on by the groom's family.

More specifically, traditional etiquette divides costs roughly as follows:

• The bride’s family covers: wedding ceremony venue, wedding reception, wedding dress and accessories, bouquets and floral arrangements, invitations, and associated vendor costs.
• The groom’s family usually pays for the marriage license, officiant's fee, rehearsal dinner, and sometimes the groom’s attire.
• The groom typically pays for the bride’s engagement and wedding rings, along with the honeymoon.

These conventions arose largely from historical and cultural gender norms but are now often adapted or replaced according to modern couples’ preferences, financial situations, and cultural backgrounds. Today, many couples pay for some or all of their own weddings, and costs can be split more equitably between families and the couple.

In summary, the traditional arrangement places most financial responsibility on the bride’s family , with some costs falling to the groom’s family and the couple, but modern practices vary widely depending on individual circumstances.