When it comes to planning and paying for a honeymoon, there are no set rules. Traditionally, the bride’s family paid for the wedding and the groom paid for the honeymoon, but those old customs are not as common today. Nowadays, couples tend to split honeymoon costs or the person who earns more pays a larger portion. However, many grooms still want to fund the honeymoon entirely as a romantic gesture. So do guys pay for the honeymoon? Let’s explore the factors couples should consider.
It depends on the couple’s financial situation
Whether the guy pays for the full honeymoon often depends on the relative incomes and financial situations of the bride and groom. Here are some common scenarios:
- If the groom makes significantly more money, he may happily cover all honeymoon expenses as a gift to his new wife.
- If the bride has substantial savings or family money, she may treat the groom to the honeymoon trip.
- If incomes are similar, the modern trend is to split costs evenly or proportionally.
- If money is tight, the couple may pay for different parts of the honeymoon to make it affordable.
The cost of the desired honeymoon destination is also a factor. Couples needing to save up for an expensive, far-flung trip are more likely to split the bill. More modest, budget-friendly honeymoons may be easier for one partner to fund alone.
Many grooms want to pay
Even when the bride has her own career and savings, many grooms still want to cover all or most of the honeymoon expenses. After all, the honeymoon is the culmination of months of wedding planning where the bride likely took the lead. Paying for the honeymoon allows the groom to take charge of planning a wonderful experience for his new wife. Plus, it’s a common gift from husband to wife.
According to a survey by TripAdvisor, 1 in 4 grooms say they alone paid for the honeymoon. Over 50% say they paid for most of the trip. Brides say grooms paid at least half of honeymoon costs in over 60% of cases.
So while gifts and costs are increasingly shared in marriages, the majority of grooms still foot the honeymoon bill. They view it as an important gesture of love, romance and starting their new life together on the right foot.
Covering the full honeymoon cost
For grooms who want to pay for all honeymoon expenses, here are some tips:
- Start saving early for a post-wedding trip fund.
- Consider getting a side job or freelance work to earn extra income.
- Open a separate savings account and set up automatic monthly transfers.
- Cut back discretionary spending to free up more funds.
- Choose a honeymoon destination matching your budget.
- Discuss costs transparently with your fiancée so you’re on the same page.
- Make paying a priority, but don’t go into debt.
Covering everything yourself can be rewarding if done sensibly over time. Avoid financial stress by setting savings goals and checking in regularly with your partner.
Why Guys Want to Pay
Beyond tradition, there are emotional reasons many grooms happily pay for honeymoon trips.
To pamper the bride
The wedding planning period is hectic and stressful for most brides. Paying for the honeymoon allows the groom to take over and pamper his new wife worry-free. She can relax knowing her new husband has arranged a wonderful post-wedding getaway. It’s a chance for the groom to treat his bride after months of wedding prep.
To planning something together
The wedding usually revolves around the bride’s vision and preferences. Grooms enjoy having their chance to plan a significant experience for the both of them. Organizing a honeymoon itinerary allows him to shape a trip suited to their combined interests. They’ll share new adventures, rather than just go along with the bride’s wedding vision.
To celebrate their love
The honeymoon is a symbolic start to their marriage and lives together. By paying for the honeymoon, the groom provides a generous gift to commemorate their love. It marks the beginning of a life where he’ll try to provide for his new family. The memory of a special, indulgent trip sets the tone for their future.
To have control
After being more of a guest at their own wedding, some grooms appreciate having full control over the honeymoon plans. They can choose the destination, activities, lodging and more without having to consult or compromise. It’s a chance to independently pick something they know their new spouse will enjoy.
To start marriage debt-free
Not footing the full honeymoon bill means starting married life with that added debt overhang. Some grooms want to clear the financial slate and start fresh without owing for the wedding or honeymoon. It sets the marriage up on a stable footing without lingering expenses.
How Couples Can Split Costs
For couples who decide to share honeymoon costs, there are a few recommended approaches.
Percentage based on income
One fair method is each partner contributing a percentage based on their income. For example, if the groom makes 70% of total combined income, he pays 70% of the honeymoon cost. This ensures both enjoy the trip while paying an equitable amount.
| Person | Income | Percent | Share of $5,000 Honeymoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groom | $70,000 | 70% | $3,500 |
| Bride | $30,000 | 30% | $1,500 |
| Total | $100,000 | 100% | $5,000 |
Divide by item/category
Another idea is for each partner to take responsibility for certain portions of the honeymoon costs:
- Groom: Airfare, hotel
- Bride: Activities, meals, transportation
Or divide based on a timeline:
- Groom: First half of trip
- Bride: Second half of trip
Take turns paying
For simplicity, couples can alternate paying for honeymoon expenses: the groom gets the flight and hotel, the bride handles adventures and meals. This prevents splitting every little expense while on the romantic getaway.
Joint account contributions
Some brides and grooms put money into a shared savings account over time to pay for the honeymoon together. This allows automated, equal contributions from both incomes rather than nitpicking percentages.
Creative Ways for Guests to Contribute
In lieu of traditional wedding registry gifts, couples can invite guests to contribute to honeymoon funding. Popular options include:
Honeymoon registries
Sites like Honeyfund.com let you create a registry for honeymoon activities, hotels, flights and more. Guests pick what part of the trip they want to fund as their gift.
Cash funds
The couple sets up a dedicated honeymoon bank account to collect monetary gifts towards trip costs. This works well along with a small physical registry.
Group item funding
Add big-ticket honeymoon items like hotel rooms or trip packages to your regular gift registry. It allows a group of guests to contribute portions towards one larger gift.
Rewards programs
Couples can sign up for rewards programs with hotels, airlines and wedding registries. Guest purchases can help them earn points towards fully or partially funded flights and hotel stays.
Saving Money While Still Enjoying the Trip
For grooms paying entirely or budget-minded couples splitting the bill, there are lots of ways to save on honeymoon costs:
- Travel during the off-season for cheaper flights and hotel rates.
- Book flights and hotels well in advance to get the lowest prices.
- Consider a road trip honeymoon to limit transportation costs.
- Cook some meals yourselves and picnic rather than eating out for every meal.
- Rent an apartment or vacation home instead of a hotel.
- Choose a region close to home to reduce travel expenses.
- Don’t overschedule activities and let relaxing together be the focus.
With creative planning, you can have an amazing honeymoon without breaking the bank. Focus on each other rather than extravagances.
Conclusion
While traditions have changed, many grooms still proudly pay for all or most of the honeymoon cost. It allows them to pamper their bride, take the reins in planning, celebrate their love, and start the marriage debt-free. For those who split the bill, income-based percentages and dividing expenses are fair approaches. With savvy saving or contributions from guests, budget-minded couples can also enjoy a special getaway. The most important thing is for newlyweds to discuss honeymoon funding openly and agree on an approach that suits them both.