Tradition...a weighty word. In terms of wedding expenses, it once dictated that the bride's family handled all the nuptial expenses.

The changing scheme of society has made it possible for some ironclad traditions to loosen their grip a bit, and that certainly includes wedding costs.

Probably the most useful approach for you, your groom and your respective families to consider when you draw up the wedding budget is to be communicative, realistic and courteous.

If your family is unable to bear the traditional bridal bill, talk with the groom's parents. They may be willing to assume a portion of the financial responsibility. There are probably some expenses that you and your groom can pay, thus taking some pressure off your families.

Following is the traditional division of nuptial expenses. However, there are times when tradition bows to practicality. The question of who pays for what really boils down to who is most willing and able.

Bride

• Wedding gift for groom
• Wedding ring for groom
• Gifts for attendants
• Personal stationery
• Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional)
• Physical examination
• Bridesmaid's luncheon

Bride's Family

• Entire reception
• Wedding gift for newlyweds
• Bride's wedding attire and trousseau
• Invitations, announcements and postage
• Engagement and wedding photographs
• Rental of sanctuary or chapel
• Organist, soloist and sexton fees
• Aisle carpets and/or canopy and any additional decorating costs
• Bridesmaids' bouquets
• Flowers for reception
• Transportation for bridal party to ceremony and reception
• Rehearsal dinner (optional)
• Security and insurance for gift display (optional)

Groom

• Wedding gift for bride
• Bride's ring
• Marriage license
• Gifts for best man and ushers
• Bridal bouquet and going-away corsage
• Boutonnieres for all men in wedding party
• Mothers' corsages
• Physical examination
• Gloves, ties or ascots for men in wedding party
• Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional)
• Fee for clergy or judge
• Honeymoon
• Bachelor's dinner (optionally may be assumed by best man and ushers)

Groom's Family

• Wedding clothes
• Traveling expenses and hotel bills
• Wedding gift for the newlyweds
• Rehearsal dinner (optional)
• Shipment of wedding gifts to the bridal couple's new home