What should the father of the bride pay for?

The old role of the father of the bride was to fund the entire wedding. That is now a thing of the past. In modern UK weddings, the father of the bride might pay for whatever the family agrees on, often alongside the couple and the groom's parents. Common choices include the wedding breakfast, the evening buffet, the drinks package, or the wedding cars.

Some fathers prefer to give a set amount of money rather than paying for a specific item. That gives the couple more freedom to spend it where they need it most. Others enjoy paying for something personal, like the bride's bouquet or the first dance song. There is no right or wrong answer.

The most important thing is to have a conversation early. If the father of the bride wants to contribute, ask him what he would feel comfortable covering. If he cannot contribute, that is fine too. Do not let tradition create awkwardness. Many couples today pay for everything themselves and only accept help if it is offered freely.