With changes in customs and traditions, and with the economics of society, change in the financial arrangements of weddings is inevitable. With the average age of brides and grooms rising, more couples are choosing to bear the entire cost of the wedding.

More on Who Pays for the Wedding

With changes in customs and traditions, and with the economics of society, change in the financial arrangements of weddings is inevitable. With the average age of brides and grooms rising, more couples are choosing to bear the entire cost of the wedding.

As a general rule, the bride’s family traditionally bore the brunt of the expense, as the notion of a “dowry” was prevalent. The wedding was also traditionally in the bride’s hometown, and this meant that the groom’s family and friends were considered guests. Now, with women commonly not working or living in their hometown when they get engaged, and the bride and groom choosing to have a wedding where they live, the equation has changed.

A common “formula” these days (if one can call it that) is to have the groom’s family pay for the rehearsal dinner, (and sometimes the honeymoon) and the bride’s family to pay for the reception—or more commonly to set aside a budget for the reception, with the couple adding to fund any deficit.  The bride’s family also pays for her wedding dress. The rest of the expenses are very fluid; however, here is a “traditional” break-down of the expenses. Don’t be shocked by the bias!

The bride: The groom’s wedding ring, gifts for bridesmaids, lodging for out-of-town attendants

The groom: The engagement ring, bride’s wedding ring, marriage officiating fees, clergy fee, lodging for out-of-town attendants, and transportation

The bride’s parents: The reception, wedding gown, church and other ceremony fees, invitations, ceremony flowers, arch, and other rentals, corsages, bouquet, and wedding breakfast

The groom’s parents: Rehearsal dinner, wedding brunch, and (sometimes) honeymoon

Increasingly, parents from both sides are participating and chipping in for the reception because it is the most expensive part of the wedding. Also, the honeymoon is many times taken care of by the couple.

With intercultural weddings becoming more common, it is not unusual for a totally different set of rules to come into play. Regardless of the situation, the best idea is for the parents and the couple to have a conversation about expectations. A couple will do well to open the discussion earlier in the wedding planning process, to avoid any misunderstanding that may arise later.

View the 2011 Wedding Fashion Trends

Breaking News: Ball Gowns are back, and they’ve got a belt!

It’s true! Last season trumpet-style and mermaid gowns were all the rage, but expect to see the ball gown design make a big comeback this year in 2011. Many well-known designers will be turning their eyes toward this coming season’s new look and presenting us with their stunning interpretations, expected to hit stores sometime after August. Bringing a little something extra to the table along with this classically inspired dress shape is the addition of a belt to the bridal ensemble. Whether wide, sparkling, or plain, belts are being worn cinched at the waist or left hanging loose on the hips as an attention-grabber that many will find very hard to ignore. Don’t expect to see these new ball gowns falling all the way to the floor either; as the trend evolves, dresses will be seen creeping back as far as the knee in some variations, so be prepared to get those legs into shape girls!

Bows and Feathers with a Vintage Touch

Be on the lookout for feathers in many unexpected places this season; from waistlines to hems or even the bridal accessories, feathers of all types are becoming a popular way to embellish an otherwise plain gown and give it a little extra zing. Look for bows to be making an appearance as well; though the bow has always been a staple of the wedding gown, in 2011 bows are emerging from the back side of the dress and taking their place in the limelight. Fastened artfully to a waistline, sash, or belt, a medium to large bow can really bring the overall look of a particular dress into focus and complete its design.
The most sought-after accessory on the runway and the Red Carpet this year has been a vintage-inspired brooch. Whether it is large, small, delicate, or chunky the addition of a brooch will bring a little bit of that “wow” factor you’ve been looking for to your wedding dress. A brooch can be pinned anywhere on the gown, though the style of the dress will often dictate the best places to add this particular accessory.

Move Over Black, Here Comes The Little White Dress!

This season’s dresses are all about being short and sassy. Keep your eyes peeled for little white numbers ranging from calf-length to thigh-high and anywhere in between. They might even remind you of your favorite little black party dress, only this time it’s in white! Pick one up for your flight to a romantic destination wedding, or even just to change into for the reception; comfort is key this season and these dresses are the solution. And though some gowns might look cool and classic from the front, this year the real sensation can be found on the back. Look out for unique shapes, styles, and some dramatic drops when you’re checking out the backs of potential wedding dresses in 2011.

This Just In: The 80’s are back, and Check out Those Ruffles!

Did you hear that ladies? The 80’s are calling you back! Designed to prompt a recollection of your glory days and scenes from your high school prom, some of this season’s most popular dress designs are taking a few hints from the later years of rock & roll and adding just a hint of our modern age. This time around these inspired creations are only going to feature whites and the palest of shades (remember those neon pinks and greens?) and gowns will even be seen kicking up their heels with the addition of a few well-placed ruffles. Spotted on the hems of skirts and even on the neckline, ruffles are taking the 2011 bridal fashion season and having their way with it. Bigger and bolder than ever before, ruffles are being paired with gowns in both the fitted and flared styles to add a bold and dramatic look to an otherwise demure dress.

Your Dress:

This year the styles are all about romance and glamour. Think of yourself as a goddess – your silhouette should be sexy, refined, and classical with a modern twist. To achieve this look you’ll need to think big. Not necessarily big in terms of the dress, but more like the decorations you’re going to use to bring out the best in your bridal gown. Try a crystal studded belt, or a large but tasteful bow at your waist to draw attention to your perfectly cinched middle. Bare shoulders are also a hot topic this season with celebrities like Cameron Diaz proving they’re comfortable in their skin with asymmetrical and halter style tops. While it’s almost certain that strapless gowns will always be a staple style in the wedding dress industry, dresses with off-the-shoulder or single-shoulder strap designs keep a bit of this tradition while giving it a little modern day spice. And what wedding ensemble would be complete without something to tie it in with your ceremony’s color scheme? Brides this season are favoring yellows and blues of all shades and hues when they’re selecting their accessories for the big day. Even if you believe in the traditional white gown, there’s nothing that says a few sequins or stones in just the right place won’t make you sparkle and shine like the star you are!

Accessories Anyone?

This year fashion has put the typical delicate wedding jewelry on the back burner in favor of bolder, more colorful accessory selections. Chunky bracelets, earrings in all shapes and sizes, as well as shoe and handbag combinations that set the stage for awe and amazement are very in this year. Any bride looking to buck the system just a little and add a bit of her own personality to her wedding attire and accessories might want to take a look at stars like Eva Mendes, Drew Barrymore, and Kate Hudson; these leading ladies have been caught red-handed with some of this season’s latest must-have styles. Larger statement jewelry is making a comeback in the latter half of 2011; big earrings, chunky necklaces and bracelets, and cocktail rings have taken the Red Carpet by storm, and there isn’t a thing that says you cannot borrow a bit of this fashion flair for your own wedding day. Clutch-style handbags are also in vogue with colors ranging from bright to subdued, and are specifically chosen to contrast with an outfit (can we say black and white? Classic!). Shoes are also following this color-contrasting trend, and even brides who haven’t starred in any movies this year are catching on, adding a bright bit of color under their gowns.

Fantastic Hair and a Flawless Face:

At the same time our favorite stars seem to be advancing fashions that make a bold statement, this year’s beauty styling is centered on a feeling of softness and femininity – an effortless sort of beauty that is sexy yet sophisticated. Loose curls and pretty bangs are all the rage in Hollywood, with ladies like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus bringing an air of maturity to their personal styles without stepping over the line into a more adult arena. Brides can take cues from Hollywood’s hair trends by exploring a more relaxed approach to their hair style and going for loose pinned up curls instead of a bun that’s been wound a bit too tight. It also appears that the days of candy-apple-red are behind us; shades from the palest pinks to rich berry colored hues have been seen popping up all over on the lips of stars everywhere. A fresh, natural look is what most celebs and brides are aiming for this season, with more emphasis on the glow of love that surrounds a lady on her big day and less on the makeup she’s wearing.

Choosing a Wedding Color