Who pays for a honeymoon?

The old expectation that the groom or his family pays for the honeymoon has largely faded. Most modern couples save up together and pay for their own trip, just as they might pay for the wedding itself. This is the simplest and fairest approach, because the honeymoon is for both of you.

That said, some parents or relatives may offer to contribute as a wedding gift, and that is lovely. If someone offers, you can accept gracefully or suggest they put the money towards a specific part of the trip, like a nice dinner or an excursion. You can also set up a honeymoon gift list, where guests contribute to activities, meals or experiences instead of buying physical presents. This is increasingly common and guests often enjoy it.

The most important thing is to communicate. Talk to your partner about who pays what, and be honest about your finances. If one of you earns more, you might choose to split costs proportionally, or one might cover the flights while the other covers the hotel. There is no right answer. Just make a plan together and stick to it, so money does not cause tension during the trip.