What is supposed to be the happiest day of your life can also turn out to be the most expensive one. The question of cash can sometimes put a strain not only on your wallet, but also on family relations. Should you go with tradition and have the bride's family pay for it all, maybe both families could meet half way and split the costs, or you might even eliminate the hassle and choose to pay for the whole shebang yourselves.

Obviously, the subject of cost depends entirely on what kind of wedding you are planning. If exchanging nose-rings in a Buddhist Ceremony on the summit of the Himalayas is where it's at for you, then airfares are your only expense obstacle (unless of course your only guests are the local monks and their herd of yak!)

If a pig-on-a-spit and BYO champers down at the local National Park is appealing, again you won't be up until the crack of dawn having meetings with your parents and future-in-laws about the money issue.

On the other hand, if you want to try and re-enact Charles and Diana's Wedding Day, then that is another kettle of fish altogether.

There is also the issue of Other People's Money besides your families' to keep in mind.  Traditionally the bridesmaids pay for their dresses, and telling them that you have decided on 'adorable little Gucci numbers teamed with Prada strappy heels' may be just a little unfair. 

Of course, if the pressure is too much, you can always just elope and get married by Elvis in Vegas.

Following are the guidelines to the traditional way of paying for your big day, although nowadays it is entirely up to you and your families as to who pays for what.

The Bride & Her Family

• The Engagement Party

• The Groom's Wedding Ring

• Any Wedding Announcements

• Costs of the Reception Venue, Catering, Alcohol, Decorations, Flowers, Entertainment etc

• Wedding Cake

• Any Wedding Coordinating services

• Wedding Stationery including invitations, mail out and thank you notes

• The Bridal Gown and all Accessories

• Mother-Of-The-Bride's outfit and Accessories

• The Groom's Wedding Gift

• All Audio and Visual expenses

• All Bridesmaids gifts

• Accommodation for Bridesmaids and guests of the Bride's family if they have travelled to the Wedding

The Groom & His Family

• The Bride's Engagement and Wedding Ring

• The Ceremony

• The Wedding Cars

• The Groom's suit and Accessories

• The Marriage License

• Wedding Gift for the Bride

• Gifts for the Groomsmen and Ushers

• The Bride's and Bridesmaid's Bouquets

• The Honeymoon

The Bridal Party & Ushers

• Bridal Showers, or Kitchen Teas (usually with the help of the Bride's Mother)

• All Hens and Bucks night celebrations

• Wedding gift for the Bride and Groom

• Bridesmaid's dresses

• Suit hire for the Groomsmen

The Groom and his family traditionally pay for the honeymoon, but these days the couple has usually saved up long and hard for the holiday of their choice. Others opt to have a romantic weekend away, and save the money otherwise spent on an overseas trip and put it towards their New Home or starting a family!