Traditionally, the father of the bride is financially responsible for the wedding. Nowadays, that's not always the case, and that's okay. Sometimes the bride and groom will contribute, as well the parents of the groom. Even if you're not paying for the wedding, offer to help deliver payments to the vendors.
For many brides their father is an integral part of their life, but a bride's father often has a minimal role on her wedding day. Traditionally, he has two brief assignments: to walk his daughter down the aisle and to give a toast (which usually follows the best man's) come the reception.
Not only does the bride's family pay for the wedding day outfit and accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry and more), but they're also responsible for the bride's wardrobe for all of the pre-wedding events (the shower, bach party, rehearsal dinner and honeymoon).
However, if the fathers are wearing more casual outfits, perhaps a black, navy, or grey lounge suit, then it would be appropriate to buy them as they will get plenty of use after the wedding. Generally the fathers will be happy to pay for these types of suits themselves.
The Honeymoon
Today many modern couples save up for their honeymoon together or ask wedding guests to pay for certain parts as a gift. But traditionally it is the groom or his family's job to pay the full cost of the honeymoon from flights to hotels to excursions.
2. Consider Who Traditionally Pays for the Wedding. Traditionally, the bride's family assumed most of the financial costs associated with a wedding, including the wedding planner, invitations, dress, ceremony, reception, flowers, photography, and music.
According to the Brides American Wedding Study, parents cover anywhere between 35 and 42 percent of the cost of their children's weddings.
That being said, a material gift isn't necessary for your daughter—especially if you've financially contributed to the wedding—but a sentimental gesture or action the morning of the wedding can still go a long way.
In this role you are literally giving your daughter away to her new husband and his family. Your main duty is to get her to the church on time and walk her down the aisle to where the groom is waiting.
The father of the bride should traditionally thank guests for coming and participating in the wedding, thank anyone who has contributed to the cost of the wedding, compliments and praises the bride and welcomes the groom into the family and ends with a toast to the newlyweds.
“When you and I shared that moment earlier, that glimpse of the eye as I walked you down the aisle – just know that's a moment I will cherish forever.” “To you both, it's worth bearing in mind that neither of you will ever be perfect, but you can be perfect together.”
According to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, parents pay for 52% of wedding expenses, while the couple pays for 47% (the remaining 1% is paid for by other loved ones)—so parents are still paying for a majority of the wedding, though couples are chipping in fairly significantly.
Mention The Bride's Mother And New In-Laws
Even if you're divorced from her mother, a line or two acknowledging her part in your child's life will be very well appreciated.
“The tradition of the father walking the bride down the aisle has evolved from what it was to it being a gesture of uniting families and showing love and respect for the new marriage.” There are now many variations: Brides can still opt to walk down the aisle with their father, or they can have both parents join them.
On the day of the wedding, the mother of the bride should be prepared to help the bride with whatever she might need. This might include playing hostess, helping guide out-of-town guests, or being ready with a tissue box!
Again, it's totally up to you. Traditionally, the father of the bride pays for the wedding – although that's fast becoming a thing of the past – and if you're a dad who has made a financial contribution to the day itself, you may see that as the gift, which is totally understandable.
Welcome the guests. You may want to pick some people out. Thank the bridesmaids and wedding party. Share some stories or anecdotes about your daughter.
Remember, there's no rule to say that the father-of-the-bride or best man has to give a speech. Equally, we've witnessed amazing speeches given by friends, grandparents and flower girls!
Depending on their relationship with the bride, wedding guests typically give between $50 – $150 when making a monetary gift. As parents of the bride, it's standard to give significantly more. However, you should first consider what is financially comfortable for your budget.
When it comes to paying for the wedding, there are differing views. While traditionally the bride's parents were responsible for hosting (and paying for) the entire celebration, today many couples join both sets of parents in contributing.
With the evolution of the modern family, compounded by the liberation of both women and LBGTQIA+ communities, there has been anecdotally less responsibility put exclusively on the bride's family. Instead, both families and even the soon-to-be newlyweds step-up to help fund the wedding.
Ultimately, the way you decide who pays for the wedding is up to you, your partner, and your families. You might be aware that the bride's family is expected to cover the majority of the wedding day costs, while the groom's family pays for a variety of extra activities, like the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.
It's tradition for the bride's family to pay for the ceremony venue, while the groom would pay for the celebrant and the marriage license.
The bride's side of the family traditionally pays for the bride's wedding dress and the bridesmaids' dresses. Increasingly, however, bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses.