In 2026, who is traditionally responsible for paying for a wedding?

The old tradition in the UK was that the bride's family paid for the whole wedding, from the venue to the flowers. That custom comes from a time when a wedding was seen as a transfer of responsibility. It no longer reflects how most couples live or plan their weddings.

In 2026, the most common approach is for the couple to pay for the bulk of their wedding themselves. Parents may offer to help with specific items, such as the catering, the dress, or the cake. Some families split the total cost equally between both sides. Others contribute what they can, with no expectation of a set amount.

The best way to handle this is to have an honest conversation early in the planning. Ask each set of parents if they would like to contribute, and if so, how much or for which part. Do not assume anyone will pay. And do not let tradition dictate what feels fair for your family. The only rule that matters is that everyone agrees and feels comfortable.