Planning a dream honeymoon is an exciting part of the wedding journey, but one question often arises: who pays for the honeymoon? The answer may not be as straightforward as it once was. This Viva Wedding Photography article will unravel the mystery surrounding honeymoon expenses, exploring traditional norms and modern perspectives to help you navigate this important aspect of your wedding planning.
1. Who pays for the honeymoon traditionally?
The groom and his family were traditionally expected to cover the honeymoon cost since the bride’s family pays the bill for the wedding. This practice stemmed from the idea that the groom should provide a romantic getaway as a gesture of love and commitment.
2. Who pays for the honeymoon nowadays?
Times have changed and the question of who typically pays for the honeymoon has no longer up the groom and his parents. In recent times, weddings have become more innovative and less traditional. Additionally, couples getting married are often older and financially independent. As a result, it is now typically expected that the couple will finance their own honeymoons, potentially with some additional assistance from the groom’s and/or bride’s parents.
Certainly, it can be quite expensive for couples who are funding their own wedding. However, nowadays, honeymoons are increasingly being planned with the same level of meticulous research and attention as the weddings themselves. Therefore, for many couples, covering the expenses of their honeymoon guarantees them complete control and the ability to avoid any compromises.
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3. The upsides & downsides of footing the bill for your honeymoon
When considering who typically pays for the honeymoon, it is important to examine the situation from various perspectives, regardless of whether you and your partner have a traditional or modern approach. It is worth noting that adhering to traditional values does not necessarily imply relinquishing control over your honeymoon plans. Let’s now discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each scenario:
| The groom pays for the honeymoon | The groom’s family pays for the honeymoon | The couple pays for the honeymoon | |
| Pos | This undoubtedly sounds amazing to the bride. | Help the couple save a lot of money. | – Everything about the trip is up to you. – Planning a trip together is a fun way to spend quality time together. |
| Cons | – It’s a financial burden on the groom. – It’s hard to decide who will cover the costs if there are two grooms/ no grooms. | – Some of the couple’s control is taken away. – The budget of the groom’s family may not match the couple’s desire. – If there are two grooms or none at all, this could cause disagreement. | No free trip, of course! |
>>> Further reading: How Much is the Accurate Average Price of a Wedding in 2024?
4. Some substitute options to pay for your honeymoon
If you’re not about to hand your whole wedding registry over to the honeymoon, there are still numerous creative ways to receive assistance in funding your dream trip without argument about who should pay for the honeymoon:
4.1. Create A Honeymoon Gift Registry
Honeymoon registries are becoming increasingly common as couples seek creative methods to raise money for their special trip. With the help of wedding guests, there’s no need to worry about who pays for the honeymoon. Newlyweds can turn their fantasy honeymoon into a reality by crowdsourcing the funds needed.
All-in-one registries, which include cash funds, offer wedding guests the opportunity to purchase various components of honeymoons. These components may include airfare, a massage, a sunset cruise, a helicopter ride, or a sweet and romantic dinner. Guests who are close to the couple, such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other wedding party members, may find it exciting to give them especially memorable experiences as gifts.
These funds are perfect for couples who do not require traditional wedding registry items such as china, crystal, luggage, flatware, etc. This is especially ideal for couples who are getting married later in life or entering into their second or third marriages. As certain wedding guests may prefer to give gifts rather than monetary contributions, it is wise to opt for either an all-in-one registry that includes both a fund and physical items or two separate registries: one for a honeymoon cash fund and another for a traditional wedding registry.
4.2. Contributions From Both Families
The bride and groom’s families can also be approached for financial support. Honeymoon gifts from both parents show how much everyone cares about the couple’s happiness. This teamwork helps everyone feel like they’re a part of something bigger, and it sets the stage for future cooperation and mutual support among two families. Not to mention, honeymoon costs can be reduced by a large margin if the bride and groom pool their financial resources as well.
When going for this route, even though the argument about who pays for the honeymoon traditionally wouldn’t bother you, you should still keep each family’s financial situation in mind. Monetary resources and priorities may vary considerably between households, so it’s crucial to avoid setting unrealistic expectations. We highly recommend having a frank discussion of expectations with parents from two families about what each side should contribute financially toward the honeymoon. By talking about it openly, awkwardness and misunderstandings about money could be avoided effectively.
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4.3. Self-Funding The Honeymoon
Self-funding the honeymoon is enticing for many couples since it allows them to maintain their sense of financial autonomy. This means the pair will be responsible for all costs of their desired vacation without considering who pays for the honeymoon. Couples can arrange everything about their honeymoon to suit their tastes and needs.
There are several options for self-funding honeymoons that couples might explore:
- Save up early:
Couples might start putting money aside for their honeymoon years before they actually take one. Couples can save up for their ideal getaway by establishing a honeymoon budget and allocating a fixed amount of money each month to savings. Keeping the money for the honeymoon in a separate savings account will help the happy couple remember their financial objective. They can save time by setting up an automatic transfer from the main bank account to the savings account.
- Utilize credit card:
How about signing up for a credit card that offers excellent travel rewards soon after getting engaged or even before if you both are confident in your long-term commitment? We suggest maximizing the benefits of your credit card by charging appropriate expenses, such as your wedding and other essential costs in life. In this way, by the time the wedding is over, you may have enough budget to spend on things like airfare, lodging, transportation, and more. However, it is important to ensure responsible and regular payments to avoid any financial burden later.
- Don’t forget cash gifts:
You will likely receive at least some cash gifts from guests, family, and friends at the pre-wedding events. You and your future spouse might want to make a deal that whatever money you receive goes directly toward your honeymoon. Trust us! Seeing your honeymoon cash fund grow as you plan your wedding could be super exciting.
- Push your honeymoon out a few months:
There is no rule states that your honeymoon must take place immediately after your wedding day. In recent times, many couples are choosing to postpone their honeymoons significantly after their wedding celebrations. This decision is often influenced by factors such as weather conditions, work commitments, or financial considerations. If your dream getaway seems unattainable despite the tips mentioned above, simply delay it by a few months and allow yourself more time to save. Don’t worry! You will still qualify as newlyweds, and your trip will still be considered a honeymoon.
>>> Further reading:
- Comprehensive Wedding Planning Checklist For A Big Day in 2024
- 7 Small Wedding Ideas On A Budget For Your Dream Celebration
When it comes to who pays for the honeymoon, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Traditional norms may suggest the groom’s family, but modern trends offer more flexibility and shared responsibility. Couples can choose the approach that aligns with their values, financial circumstances, and relationship dynamics. Whether you opt for shared expenses, gift registries, or self-funding, the key is open communication and reaching a consensus that allows you to embark on your honeymoon adventure with joy and excitement.