JOWY Productions gets a lot of questions from newly engaged brides, grooms and parents about the big day. Since we have found most questions are common amongst our wedding clients, we think it is helpful to share the answers with all of you!
Today's Wedding Wednesday is going to do just that. Our question comes from a husband-to-be. He asks: What does the groom and his family pay for?
Traditionally, most of the wedding expenses were/are paid by the bride's family with a few key elements being picked up by the groom and his family. Today, some couples are waiting until later in life to get married and many are living together before tying the knot; depending on the age and financial situation of the couple, the expenses are sometimes paid for in full by the couple themselves or a combination of the couple and their parents. Some families are uber traditional, so the bride’s family hosts the wedding if financially possible.
We recognize that every wedding is different and each situation unique, so it can be difficult to know what the standard is and we tell our clients: “it’s your wedding, so you can do what you want.”
Most often, we see the groom’s family host the rehearsal dinner. Depending on the overall scope of the wedding, sometimes they will pay for additional guests if they want to host more guests than the bride’s family. Sometimes we see the liquor (bar) and maybe even flowers hosted by the groom’s camp.
Grooms usually pioneer the planning of the honeymoon. Who pays for the honeymoon is usually beyond personal, whether it be the couple or the groom’s parents, or even the bride’s parents—every family is different.
In addition, the groom handles the logistics and expenses regarding his side of the family and his portion of the bridal party inclusive of accommodations and travel, if applicable, groomsmen gifts and attire for himself and groomsmen if he is hosting, and/or supplementing attire for his crew.
If the costs are being shared, communication is the key. Any discussion about money should happen as soon as possible so nothing is left unanswered (and most importantly, in our case, as planners, we don’t have to get involved with money asking who is paying for what—awkward). All parties should be upfront and candid about their expectations as well as 100% comfortable with what they are spending as well as contributing.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 5:57AM 
