When having a destination wedding, do the bride and groom pay for any of the wedding party expenses?

Question

some websites say yes-atleast 2 nights.

and some say no.

we just wanna do the right thing bc we know how expensive it is to be in weddings these days.

Answer 1

I would definitely think you should be helping out the wedding party.  I mean if I were asked to be in a destination wedding I would have to decline in a second.  dress and hair and make-up I could afford, but not travel expenses, especially when I'm only going for the sake od the bride and groom.  either that or you just cant expect that these people will be able to attend.

Answer 2

I don't really understand the sudden trend of destination weddings. Why would someone want to have their wedding in a place that is expensive and inconvenient? Weddings aren't about the location, they're about friends and family celebrating with the happy couple. Unless you can afford to pay for everything- including travel expenses for those who couldn't otherwise attend- stick to a local venue.

Answer 3

It is nice if you can afford it but not required. If you are not able to pay for any of your attendants' costs, then you need to be prepared for some of them to be unable to participate for financial reasons.

Answer 4

I would think it appropriate to pay for at least a couple of nights of lodging.  While there is nothing wrong with choosing wherever you want for the wedding, choosing a destination location makes it very expensive for those involved, especially considering they may have no interest in the location as a vacation.  Under the circumstances, I would recommend paying as much as possible to defray the costs associated with the wedding itself.

Answer 5

Since destination weddings are still somewhat of a "newer" idea, the etiquette police haven't fully decided what's proper or not.  Generally, the bridal party pays for their own travel expenses to and from the wedding, and for their lodging during the wedding--it's part of it.  But that "rule" was more meant for out of town bridesmaids/groomsmen, not for destination weddings.  

I think if you give people enough notice (at least a year) and keep lines of communication open, you should be fine with letting people pay their own way.  The exceptions would be the teachers you mentioned in your other question--not only do they not have the luxury of travelling during the off season, but they don't make a bunch of $$ either.  Hence why I'm a former schoolteacher.  

What I would do is have individual talks with each member of the bridal party, and with each family member you're wanting to be there.  Recognize you're asking at bit more of everyone here, not just bridal party, but family as well, and some folks may not have the $$ to travel to a destination wedding.  Be open and honest with everyone, realize that your favorite Aunt Mary may not be able to make it.  In the end, you're going to have to decide how important your destination is to you.  Good luck!

Answer 6

The Bride and Groom are not responsible for the wedding party's travel expenses or lodging or meals BUT if you wish to "help" them in any way you are welcome to do so.  

And if you do decide to help them . . EVERYONE in your wedding party should be treated equally and fairly.

Here's something that's quite easy . . how a "welcome" dinner or "farewell" brunch.

The average amount of guests attending a destination wedding is 35 people.

Answered by:  A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant