When it comes to weddings, there are a lot of traditions and expectations that families must navigate. One of the biggest questions that arises is who pays for what? For many years, Emily Post’s etiquette guides have been the go-to source on proper wedding etiquette. According to Emily Post tradition, the groom’s family is expected to pay for certain expenses related to the wedding.
So, what exactly are the financial responsibilities of the groom’s family? Here is a breakdown of what Emily Post says the groom’s family should pay for:
The Rehearsal Dinner
One of the most significant costs the groom’s family is expected to foot is the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is a meal held the night before the wedding, where the bride, groom, and their families come together to rehearse the wedding ceremony and enjoy an intimate dinner. This dinner is almost always hosted by the groom’s family. The purpose of the dinner is to welcome the bride’s family to the groom’s family, and it’s a chance for the families to bond before the big day. The rehearsal dinner can be as simple or as elaborate as the groom’s family chooses.
The Officiant’s Fee
Another expense that the groom’s family should cover is the fee for the wedding officiant. The officiant is the person who presides over the wedding ceremony and legally binds the couple in marriage. Depending on the type of officiant, the fee can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. It is typical for the groom’s family to cover this cost since they are hosting the rehearsal dinner, and it is also a way for the groom’s family to have some involvement in the actual wedding ceremony.
The Marriage License
The marriage license is a legal document that certifies a couple’s marriage. It is issued by the state, and the cost of the license varies between states. The groom’s family should pay for the marriage license, which is typically obtained by the bride and groom a few weeks before the wedding.
The Bride’s Wedding Ring
While the engagement ring is traditionally paid for by the groom, the bride’s wedding ring is the responsibility of the groom’s family. The bride’s wedding band is the ring she will wear for the rest of her life, symbolizing her commitment to her husband. The cost of a wedding band can vary widely, depending on the type of metal and style. It’s essential to discuss the expected budget for the wedding band so that the groom’s family isn’t caught off guard.
The Honeymoon
Finally, the groom is responsible for the honeymoon, which can be a significant expense. However, it is customary for the groom’s family to offer to cover the cost of the honeymoon as a wedding gift. The honeymoon is the perfect opportunity for the newlyweds to relax and enjoy their first few days as a married couple. The cost of the honeymoon will depend on where the couple chooses to go and how long they plan to stay.
Conclusion
Overall, there are several expenses that the groom’s family is expected to cover, according to Emily Post. It’s essential to remember that these traditions are a guideline, and couples and families can deviate from them as they see fit. The most important thing is to communicate openly about expectations and budget so that everyone is on the same page. By doing so, the wedding planning process can be a more enjoyable and less stressful experience for everyone involved.
FAQ
What percent should groom’s parents pay?
Traditionally, the groom’s parents are expected to contribute financially to the wedding, although the amount can vary depending on each family’s financial situation and cultural traditions. In the past, the groom’s parents were responsible for paying for certain expenses such as the rehearsal dinner or the bride’s bouquet.
However, nowadays, splitting wedding costs equally between the couple and their families is becoming more common across the board. According to The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study, couples pay approximately 49% of their wedding costs, with their families covering the rest at 51%. This means that the groom’s parents may be responsible for paying for roughly half of the total wedding expenses along with the bride’s parents and the couple themselves.
When it comes to determining the specific amount that each family should contribute, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation between all parties involved. This can help avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts down the line. Couples and their families should discuss what they feel comfortable contributing and what expenses they are willing to cover. It’s also important to keep in mind that couples should not rely solely on their families to fund their wedding and should plan accordingly based on their own budget as well.
The contribution of the groom’s parents to the wedding expenses can vary, but it is becoming increasingly common to split the costs equally between all parties involved. Communicating openly and honestly with all families is key to determining a fair breakdown of expenses and avoiding any misunderstandings or conflicts.
Does mother of groom get hair and makeup done?
The mother of the groom typically plays an important role in the wedding day, and it’s natural to want to look and feel your best for such a special occasion. Many mothers of the groom wonder if they should get their hair and makeup done, and the answer is that it’s entirely up to them.
If you’re close to the bride, it’s worth talking to her about the wedding day plans and seeing if you’ll be spending time with her and her bridal party in the morning. If that’s the case, she may extend an invitation for you to get your hair and makeup done with her group. This can be a fun and relaxing way to prepare for the big day together and make sure everyone looks their best in the wedding photos.
On the other hand, if you’re not planning to spend much time with the bride and her group, you might prefer to make your own arrangements for hair and makeup. You can opt to do your own hair and makeup if you have the skills and tools to create the look you want, or you can book an appointment with a hairstylist or makeup artist.
Something else to consider is the overall vibe and dress code of the wedding. If it’s a formal affair and the bride and bridal party are all getting their hair and makeup done professionally, then it might be a good idea for you to do the same. On the other hand, if it’s a more casual event and the bride is going for a low-key look, you may want to follow suit and keep your hair and makeup simple as well.
Keep in mind that the primary goal is for you to feel comfortable and confident in your appearance on your son’s wedding day. Whether you decide to go all-out with a professional hair and makeup session or opt for a more natural look, the most important thing is to enjoy the day and be present for your son’s special moment.
Who usually buys the groom’s wedding band?
In a traditional wedding setting, the groom’s wedding band is typically paid for by the bride or her family, while the bride’s wedding band is paid for by the groom or his family. However, this is not a hard and fast rule and it can depend on various factors such as cultural and religious traditions, personal preferences, financial considerations, and more.
While some couples may follow this tradition, others may choose to split the cost of both wedding bands equally or pay for their own rings independently. Furthermore, some couples may opt for more unique and unconventional wedding bands or forgo them altogether. In these cases, the cost and responsibility of purchasing a wedding band may be even more flexible.
The decision of who buys the groom’s wedding band is a personal choice made by the couple themselves. It is important for partners to have open and honest communication about their expectations for the wedding planning process, including who is responsible for purchasing each other’s wedding bands. This ensures that both partners are comfortable and happy with the outcome and can enjoy their special day without any unnecessary stresses or conflicts.
