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What does the groom traditionally pay for?

Planning a Wedding

What does the groom traditionally pay for?

Alison Hargreaves
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

Although these days couples tend to split the wedding bill evenly (or head to the bank of mum and dad), there are traditional rules when it comes to who pays for what. There's a lot of conflicting information online when it comes to these categories, but we're in agreement with etiquette experts Debrett's when it comes to our list - and as they've been the go-to source for etiquette since 1769, we think you're in pretty safe hands! Here's what the groom would traditionally pay for...

  • The groom's suit and accessories
  • The best man and ushers' suits
  • The transportation to the ceremony for the groom and best man
  • The transportation from the reception for the bride and groom
  • The ceremony fees
  • The hire of the church, including organist, bell-ringers etc
  • The cost of the registered office, or other venue fees
  • The honeymoon, including passports and visas, any jabs, flights and accommodation
  • Engagement and wedding rings for the bride
  • Presents for the ushers, bridesmaids and best man
  • The wedding night hotel

Want to know what everyone else is paying for? Find out here!

Alison Hargreaves
About the author
Guides for Brides founder and wedding venue expert, Alison has been advising brides and grooms for more than 30 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends and speaks at international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

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