Q: Is it true that the bride's father should pay for the wedding?

A: While past traditions dictated that the father of the bride would be the one footing the bill for the wedding, times are changing. While some couples and their families stick by tradition and the bride's parents pay for the bulk of the wedding costs, many couples are now paying the wedding bill themselves. Before planning the wedding, sit down with everyone involved and find out who is willing to pay for what. Everything will run much more smoothly if these things are addressed in the open, prior to the wedding arrangements being made.

Q: Who should pay for the rings?

A: As a rule, it is the groom's responsibility to pay for the rings. This includes the engagement ring, the bride's wedding ring, and his own wedding ring. When purchasing the engagement ring, budget is an important factor. How much money you have available to spend will determine how much ring you can afford. As a general rule, the cost of the engagement ring should equate to one month of the groom's salary. When shopping for the actual wedding bands, it is often a good idea to do the shopping together.

Q: How should a groom choose his best man?

A: A groom needs to choose his best man shortly after the engagement announcement. The best man plays a very important part in the wedding and careful thought needs to be given as to who the groom chooses. The best man will be responsible for a number of critical details, and the groom should feel comfortable that the person he chooses can live up to those responsibilities. Most of the time, the groom will choose either a close friend or his brother to be the best man.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the best man?

A: In addition to being there to emotionally support the groom and being in charge of the stag party, the best man is responsible for a number of important details. At the wedding, it is the best man's responsibility to ensure that the groom arrives at the church on time, that the wedding rings are available at the point in time when they are needed, that the ushers know where they need to be and what to do, and that everyone in the wedding party is given the proper flowers. After the wedding, the best man will make a speech at the reception, will be responsible for making sure the wedding gifts are taken from the reception hall, and making sure everyone's transportation arrangements have been made.

Q: Who chooses the ushers and what do they do?

A: The ushers are generally chosen by the groom. Ushers are responsible for directing wedding guests to their seats, handing out programs, and helping to organize photographs. They are also responsible for helping to assist wedding guests from the ceremony to the reception. Ushers wear buttonholes that are paid for by the groom and they may also be asked to wear matching waistcoats or ties, which should also be paid for by the groom.

Q: Who is required to purchase a wedding gift and what gifts are appropriate?

A: If you have been invited to a wedding ceremony and reception, etiquette dictates that you purchase a gift for the bride and groom. Those who find shopping for other people difficult are pleased to know that almost all couples register their "wish list" at a chosen store. If you do not know which store the couple has registered at, a call to the best man or the bride's mother can point you in the right direction. If the couple has not registered at a store, the bride's mother may be holding a list of things the couple needs and keeping track of who is buying what so gifts are not duplicated.

Q: Should the groom be involved with planning the wedding?

A: Many men don't feel the need to participate in the planning of the wedding, but if you want the day to be a reflection of who you are rather than just what other people want the day to be like, getting involved in the planning is the only way to ensure that your ideas are met. While it's not necessary to take control of the entire planning process, you may want to give your input on the menu, what type of entertainment there will be, and where the ceremony and reception will be held. You can also help make transportation arrangements for guests and can help hire those who will be involved with the wedding, such as the photographer and DJ.

Q: What is acceptable when it comes to the bachelor party?

A: What type of bachelor party will be acceptable will have a lot to do with the agreements between the bride and groom. Some couples take a "don't ask, don't tell" approach while others agree on what is and what is not allowed. If guidelines have been established between the bride and the groom, it is important that the activities and entertainment at the party stay within those guidelines.

Q: How much should the wedding cost?

A: How much a wedding should cost depends on a number of factors; most importantly, who's paying for it and how much they plan on spending. Unless price is no option, weddings are usually planned around a budget and wedding budgets run the gambit. An inexpensive wedding given in someone's backyard can cost as little as $1,000, while a lavish wedding with all the trimmings can run into the tens of thousands.

Q: Where should the honeymoon be and who should pay for it?

A: Unless the honeymoon is being given as a surprise gift, the bride and groom will generally decide on the location of the honeymoon together. From a quiet, country bed and breakfast to a lively Caribbean resort, the destination will depend on the personal preferences of the bride and groom. Who pays for the honeymoon will vary. Sometimes if a bride's family pays for the wedding, the groom's parents will pay for the honeymoon, although many couples pay for the honeymoon themselves or use the money they received as wedding gifts towards the cost of the honeymoon.