What expenses is the Groom's family responsible for in a wedding?

Question

My son is getting married this year. I've searched wedding sites and they all say something different. What expenses are his father and I responsible for?

Answer 1

Normally the grooms family is responsable for
Own Travel expenses and attire
Rehersal Dinner
Wedding gift for bridal couple
Brides' bouquet and going away away corsage
all boutonnnieres
officiate's ffee
marriage license
Honeymoon expenses

Answer 2

I'm getting married soon. In my situation, the 4 parents never got together to decide. My parents, who have 3 daughters told me what my budget would be years ago. They had to do it that way because otherwise they would go broke. It actually turned out to be the same for his parents. They had made a budget for their boys. When we announced our engagement, my future mother-in-law contacted me and said they budgeted a certain amount for our wedding and asked how I would like to use it. She suggested just sending it to me to be used how ever I needed it most. I agreed, and it was added to my whole overall budget. My fiance and I are responsible for any expenses that go over the wedding budget.
Traditionally, the grooms family is responsible for the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon, but I like this way better personally. It took a lot of stress off the situation because I was able to use the money how I needed it most. Maybe you can just ask your future daughter in law what she wants and offer her a dollar amount for your budget so there is no confusion. You could also have your son ask her if that would be easier. They have most likely discussed budget already, and may be more comfortable discussing this topic. Good luck!

Answer 3

I know the traditional answer is the rehearsal dinner and some of the floral decoration expenses (ie. the Bride's bouquet, the corsages and the boutonnieres). I am a professional florist, and believe me, I have seen it all-- from grooms' parents who won't spend a dime to parents who pay for it all. If you are able to help pay for something, then by all means, do so. The subject of who is paying for what when it comes to weddings is so touchy-- there are too many feelings involved and it can be hard to not step on someone else's toes. Do what you and your husband are comfortable with. There really are no "traditional" expenses any more.

Answer 4

In the past, the Groom's family often paid for the alcohol at the wedding, and the rehearsal dinner. But today, there are no set rules. Talk to the parents of the bride and offer to pay what you can afford and what is comfortable in the situation. Good etiquette really means making other people feel comfortable. Anything you can do to contribute to the happiness of the Bride and Groom will be appreciated and remembered!

Answer 5

I'm not married yet but I believe the grooms family if they're willing (you seem to be so they're lucky!!) traditionally take care of the rehearsal dinner and possibly the honeymoon(not sure about the honeymoon) Personally, when I get married, I want both sets of parents to sit down with fiance and I and discuss what realistically we can afford and how much help from them is being offered so we know what we are working with. You may decide as a "family" to ditch traditional roles and simply pay where it's needed.

Answer 6

Traditionally for Groom and his Family (from The Christian Wedding Planner):
Brides engagement/wedding band
Their own travel/transportation/housing and expenses as well as groom's attendants
The Rehearsal dinner
Wedding attire (for Groom's family)
The Brides bouquet and mother's corsages as well as boutonnieres for male attendants
Gift for the bride and groom
Officiants fee
Marriage license
Honeymoon
Expense of shipping wedding presents to new home

In the case of my Fiancee and I, our parents set aside an amount that they were willing to pay and he and I are responsible for anything over and above that amount. (something I STRONLGY recommend so things don't get out of control for you!) Some of his expenses I am taking care of and some of my expenses he is taking care of so it's all a matter of relevancy and convenience! Congrats to your son and good luck.

Answer 7

In most cases, the parents of the groom voluntarily assume additional expenses, but the following are their traditional obligations:

Hosting the rehearsal dinner

gift(s) to the bride and groom

Their own lodging and travel expenses

Their own wedding clothes.

Answer 8

You are only reponsible to pay for what you VOLUNTEER to pay for. Same for the bride's parents. The couple cannot farm out bills to ytheir parents that you didn't agree to, or that are more than the amount you volunteered to help with.

So: Choose an expense you feel you can afford (the rehearsal dinner? the flowers? whatever?) and tell the couple that's what you'd like to pay for, of the wedding expenses.

Answer 9

I am currently planning my own wedding. In my opinion, you and your husband should let your son and his fiance know how much you can help with. It is so much harder to go to the parents and ask them for a dollar amount. Your son would feel much more comfortable accepting a gift vs asking you guys to contribute. Hope this helps!

Answer 10

My fiance and I are beginnign to plan our wedding and I've also noticed that many websites say different things. I honestly think it's about what you and your husband can afford and what you come to an agreement upon with your son, his future wife, and his future in-laws. Good luck and congratulations!