=SUMMARY OF EXPENSES=

All the expenses of a wedding belong to the bride’s parents; the invitations are issued by them, the reception is at their house, and the groom’s family are little more than ordinary guests.  The cost of a wedding varies as much as the cost of anything else that one has or does.  A big fashionable wedding can total far up in the thousands and even the simplest entails considerable outlay, which can, however, be modified by those who are capable of doing things themselves instead of employing professional service at every point.

=THE PARENTS OF THE BRIDE PROVIDE=

1.  Engraved invitations and cards.

2.  The service of a professional secretary who compiles a single list from the various ones sent her, addresses the envelopes, both inner and outer; encloses the proper number of cards, seals, stamps and mails all the invitations. (This item can be omitted and the work done by the family.)

3.  The biggest item of expense—­the trousseau of the bride, which may consist not alone of wearing apparel of endless variety and lavish detail, but household linen of finest quality (priceless in these days) and in quantity sufficient for a lifetime; or it may consist of the wedding dress, and even that a traveling one, and one or two others, with barest essentials and few accessories.

4.  Awnings for church and house.  This may be omitted at the house in good weather, at the church, and also in the country.

5.  Decorations of church and house.  Cost can be eliminated by amateurs using garden or field flowers.

6.  Choir, soloists and organist at church. (Choir and soloists unnecessary.)

7.  Orchestra at house. (This may mean fifty pieces with two leaders or it may mean a piano, violin and drum, or a violin, harp and guitar.)

8.  Carriages or motors for the bridal party from house to church and back.

9.  The collation, which may be the most elaborate sit-down luncheon or the simplest afternoon tea.

10.  Boxes of wedding cake.

11.  Champagne—­used to be one of the biggest items, as a fashionable wedding without plenty of it was unheard of.  Perhaps though, pocketbooks may have less relief on account of its omission than would at first seem probable, since what is saved on the wine bill is made up for on the additional food necessary to make the best wineless menu seem other than meagre.

12.  The bride’s presents to her bridesmaids. (May be jewels of value or trinkets of trifling cost.)

13.  A wedding present to the bride from each member of her family—­not counting her trousseau which is merely part of the wedding.

14.  The bride gives a “wedding present” or a “wedding” ring or both to the groom, if she especially wants to. (Not necessary nor even customary.)

=THE GROOM’S EXPENSES ARE=

1.  The engagement ring—­as handsome as he can possibly afford.