Who pays for the bride and groom's hotel room on the wedding night?

The old tradition says the groom arranges and pays for the wedding night accommodation, often as a surprise for the bride. That fits with the idea that he handles the honeymoon and the rings. But in practice, most couples today book their own hotel room, either as part of the venue package or separately.

If you are staying at the wedding venue, the room might be included in the venue hire, or you might pay an extra fee. If you are going elsewhere, you could book a nice room near the reception so you do not have to travel far after the party. Some couples ask a parent or a close friend to gift the room as a wedding present, which is a thoughtful and practical gesture.

There is no right or wrong answer. The key is to decide early, book ahead, and make sure the room is ready for you after the celebrations. If you are having a late night, you might not care about the view, but you will care about a comfortable bed and a quiet corridor. And if you are on a budget, a simple room is fine. You will be asleep for most of it.