What Are the Financial Responsibilities of the Groom's Family at a Wedding?

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many financial responsibilities that the groom's family is expected to cover. From the bride's bouquet of flowers to the wedding rings, the groom's family is often responsible for some of the most important elements of the big day. In addition, they may also be expected to contribute to other expenses such as bridesmaids' dresses, groomsmen suits, and rehearsal dinner costs. Although traditional roles have changed over time, it is still important to understand what is expected of the groom's family when it comes to wedding expenses.

The groom's family is typically responsible for some of the floral expenses associated with the wedding party. This includes the bride's bouquet, the groom's boutonnieres and groomsmen, and bouquets for honored guests. The groom (or his family) is also expected to purchase the wedding rings for the bride, which will be presented during the ceremony. Bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the wedding party must also cover certain expenses such as outfits, travel, lodging, gifts, and more.

However, even in traditional roles, it is not expected that the bride's family pays for everything. The groom's family may also be responsible for paying certain costs such as drinks during the wedding reception. In addition to financial contributions, families can also contribute in other ways such as sending invitations by mail, getting quotes from vendors, or putting together wedding gifts. The rehearsal dinner is an opportunity for the groom's parents to celebrate the couple and get together with the bride's family and friends before the wedding.

Today, couples often divide wedding expenses three ways between themselves and their families. If you are an LGBTQIA+ couple, you may not follow traditional gender roles when it comes to payment plans. In fact, 61 percent of LGBTQIA+ couples pay for most of their wedding themselves but receive financial help from friends and family more than in previous years. It is typical for the groom to have already purchased an engagement ring for his bride-to-be but it is not uncommon for his parents to cover this cost as well as that of the wedding rings.

If it is a couple's second wedding, they will most likely pay for it themselves with 88 percent of expenses coming from them and 10 percent from their parents. However, most LGBTQ couples in the United States continue to pay for their own weddings entirely out of pocket.