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What do groom's parents pay for a wedding?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For grooms · For parents

Short answer

There is no fixed list of what groom's parents pay for in the UK. Traditionally they might pay for the rehearsal dinner or the bar, but today it is simply whatever they offer and agree with the couple.

In the UK, the groom's parents have no set financial duties. The old tradition, where the groom's family paid for the rehearsal meal and the honeymoon, is not a rule and many families have never followed it. What matters is what the groom's parents offer and what the couple accepts. Some groom's parents pay for the wedding rings, the groom's outfit, or the drinks at the reception. Others contribute a lump sum towards the overall budget, or pay for a specific vendor like the photographer or the transport. It is also common for both sets of parents to split the cost of the wedding breakfast or the evening party equally. The best approach is to treat the groom's parents the same as the bride's parents, if there is a bride. Ask them what they feel able to contribute, and be clear about what would help most. Never assume they will pay for anything, and never make them feel obliged. If they cannot contribute, that is fine. The couple should plan their wedding based on what they can afford themselves, and treat any family money as a bonus, not a requirement. For any legal or religious costs, such as banns or a church fee, check with the venue or place of worship, as these vary.

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