When it comes to destination weddings, one of the biggest questions is who will pay for what? As with any other wedding, there are costs that must be covered, and for a destination wedding there are additional costs.
Who pays for these things varies from family to family and from wedding to wedding.
The bride and groom typically cover the cost of their own accommodations and travel expenses, including airfare, hotel rooms, and car rentals. They may also cover the cost of any guests who will be traveling with them.
The bride’s family is usually responsible for paying for the ceremony itself—the venue rental, decorations, flowers, officiant fees—and the reception. It is also customary for the bride’s parents to pay for her dress, accessories, and any other items related to her appearance on her special day.
The groom’s family is responsible for covering the rehearsal dinner as well as his attire and any accessories he may need. The groom’s parents may also be expected to contribute a portion of their son’s honeymoon expenses. In some cases, both families may decide to split the cost of the honeymoon.
Gifts: Guests at a destination wedding are not expected to give gifts; however, if they do choose to do so it should be considered a token of appreciation rather than an obligation. Gifts should be sent in advance or brought with them if they are attending.
When it comes down to it who pays for what at a destination wedding is up to each individual couple and their families. There are certain traditions that can help guide couples on who pays for what but ultimately it is up to them how they want their special day funded.
Conclusion: The bride and groom typically cover most of their own costs associated with a destination wedding while the bride’s family typically covers most of the ceremony-related costs as well as her attire and accessories. The groom’s family covers his attire as well as his rehearsal dinner expenses plus a portion of his honeymoon expenses. Guests are not expected to give gifts but if they do choose too it should be considered a token of appreciation rather than an obligation.