What does the groom traditionally pay for at a UK wedding?

Short answer

Traditionally, the groom pays for the marriage licence, the registrar or clergy fees, the rings, and sometimes the honeymoon. But modern couples usually share costs or pay from a joint budget. There is no legal rule, so you can organise it however suits you both.

The old tradition in the UK was that the groom covered the legal costs of the marriage, including the registrar or clergy fees and the marriage licence, plus the wedding rings and the honeymoon. He might also have paid for the bridesmaids' bouquets and the buttonholes for the men. In practice, most couples today split the budget in a way that works for them, often with help from both families. Some couples use a joint account for everything; others keep certain items separate. The only legal costs you must cover are the notice fees and the ceremony fee, which you pay to the register office or the place of worship. These fees can vary, so check with them directly. The important thing is to talk openly about money early on. Decide together what feels fair, and don't let outdated expectations cause stress. If one of you is the groom and wants to follow tradition, that's fine, but it's not a requirement. The wedding is yours to plan as a team.