Who Pays for Honeymoon? Real Rules for Modern Weddings

When it comes to the honeymoon, a post-wedding trip taken by the newly married couple to celebrate their union. Also known as a bridal trip, it’s no longer a luxury handed down by parents—it’s a shared decision, often funded by the couple themselves. The old idea that the groom’s family pays for everything? That’s mostly gone. Today, more than 60% of couples pay for their own honeymoon, according to real wedding surveys from 2024. It’s not about tradition anymore—it’s about what works for your life, your money, and your relationship.

The groom’s parents, the family of the groom who may contribute to wedding costs in modern ceremonies aren’t expected to foot the bill anymore. Same goes for the bride’s family, the family of the bride who historically covered major wedding expenses. Some still help out—maybe they cover a flight, or chip in for a nice hotel—but it’s a gift, not an obligation. The biggest shift? Couples are talking about money before the wedding, not after. They’re asking: Can we afford this? Do we want to go into debt for a week in Bali? Is it better to save for a house instead?

There’s no rulebook anymore. Some couples use wedding gifts to fund their trip. Others set up a honeymoon registry—yes, that’s a thing now—where guests give cash instead of toasters. A few still get help from grandparents or family who want to celebrate in a meaningful way. But if no one’s offering, that’s okay too. The most common thing we see? Couples saving for months, working extra shifts, cutting back on coffee and takeout, just so they can leave the day after the wedding without stressing over bills.

What you’ll find below are real stories and practical breakdowns from couples who’ve been there. From how much people actually spend, to who paid for what, to the quiet ways families step in without making it awkward. These aren’t theories. They’re the truths behind the photos on Instagram—the ones that don’t show the credit card statements or the late-night budget spreadsheets. This isn’t about who’s supposed to pay. It’s about what makes sense for you.