OK, so you now have an idea as to how to work out your budget, and how to shave a few corners off the bill here and there, but who pays for what exactly? Well here are the traditional responsibilities of the wedding party -

• The Bride's Father
  Pays for the wedding dress, the bridesmaids' dresses and the press announcements. The bride's father also picks up the tab for wedding stationery, photos/video and flower decorations. He pays for transport - except for the groom and best man - and the wedding cake.
  As if that is not enough, the bride's father also travels to the church to give the bride away. However, he does have the privilege of traditionally making the first speech at the wedding reception.

• The Groom
  Buys the engagement and wedding rings, pays the church/legal fees and supplies the flowers for the bride and her party. The groom also pays for the transport for himself and the best man and supplies presents for the bride and all her attendants, the best man and the ushers.
  He also chooses his best man and his wedding attire, pays for the honeymoon and makes a speech.

• The Bride
  Chooses the type of ceremony she wants, picks her attendants and what they will wear, writes letters of thanks and receives the reception guests with her parents and the groom.
  The bride also presents her attendants with gifts and throws the bouquet into the crowd before she leaves. Tradition holds it that whoever catches the bride's bouquet will be the next to walk down the aisle!

• The Best Man
  Organises the stag night and drives the groom to the wedding. He also has the most onerous task of all, of looking after the wedding rings until they are needed. He also supervises the ushers. The best man also arranges the transport to the reception, makes a speech and toasts the bridesmaids. He also reads a selection of cards and messages.

• Chief Bridesmaid
  Helps the bride on her big day and is responsible for organising the other bridesmaids. The chief bridesmaid also holds the bouquet during the ceremony.

• Brides Mother
  Sends out invitations and organises the gift list with the bride. Thereafter, she can relax and enjoy what will surely be the most exciting day in her daughter's life.