Is it customary for the grooms parents to pay for the bar in a wedding?

Question

I say it is,my mom (of course) says it isnt.

Answer 1

yes you are right ,the grooms parents do.kc

Answer 2

In some circles it is.  However, if your mom doesn't want to pay for something she doesn't have to.  Customs and traditions are not laws or rules.  If you're trying to use "tradition" as a way to get her to spend money she doesn't want to spend, then shame on you.  If you can't afford a bar without help and she doesn't want to contribute, then don't have a bar.

Answer 3

Tradition is yes, the groom's family is to pay for the alcohol.  I believe even tradition states that the groom's parents pay for the flowers.  My ex mother-in-law told me both of these and she did pay for them.  She was a very uptight nose in the air kind of person too, so she tends to know about etiquette.  But in today's world... these old rules really don't matter... I see it as whatever a family member is willing to pay, is more than enough....  

Answer 4

I think times are a-changing,and you should wait and see what the groom's family offers to pay for. Or if they say, "How can we help with the cost?", mention the bar.

Answer 5

It's the 21st century, tradition has gone out the window. It all depends on you and your fiance, and how you and your families work things out.

Answer 6

Traditionally, the groom's parents pay for all costs of the rehearsal dinner and the bride's parents pay for all costs of the wedding. However, many couples today pay for their own weddings, with both sets of parents or other family members contributing varying amounts, if anything.

Answer 7

That is a very old fashioned and 1980's type belief. These days the groom's family usually pays for rehearsal and then can give the bride and groom a lump sum of money to put toward the wedding. It can be for $100, $1,000 or $10,000, whatever they can afford. My in-laws gave us nothing while my friend's in-laws paid for half the reception. They aren't required or expected to pay for anything though.  

Answer 8

Your mom doesn't have to pay for anything.

Traditionally, back in the day, the bride's parents would pay but it's a new dawn/day.

We paid for our entire wedding and I wouldn't ask my parents for a single penny. They have enough to worry about.

Answer 9

You need to stop worrying about what's "customary" or "traditional" and consider your personal situation. Did either set of parents offer to pay for anything? This wedding is for you, and honestly you need to be responsible for paying for it. If daddy dearest offers to foot the bill then good for you, but do not expect anyone to pay for anything. This is YOUR party and YOUR day. Don't expect someone else to pay for it because it's a "custom". Times have changed.  

Answer 10

Only if it's during the groom's dinner.... reception costs including the open bar are all on the bride's family

Run down of costs (in case you have any other questions):

The Bride's Family

    * All of the reception costs (i.e., room rental, food, and beverages).

    * Bridesmaids' bouquets and flowers.

    * Decorative accessories for the ceremony and reception.

    * Music for the ceremony and reception.

    * Groom's wedding gift and wedding band.

    * Bridesmaids' gifts and their hotel accommodations.

    * Photographer and photographs.

    * Wedding stationary.

    * Bride's wedding gown, accessories and trousseau.

    * All transportation and parking expenses for the ceremony and reception.

The Groom's Family

    * Bride's rings and wedding gift.

    * Marriage license.

    * Grooms-men's gifts.

    * Ties and gloves for the groom's party.

    * Bride's bouquet and corsage.

    * Corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

    * Boutonnieres for the groom's party.

    * Clergyman's fee.

    * Rehearsal dinner.

    * The honeymoon.

Answer 11

No, everyone I know that got married paid for everything themselves.

The did however get large monetary gifts from the parents ($500 - 1000)