Wedding Favors: Groom's Family, Include Or Exclude?

Wedding traditions have evolved over the years, and modern couples often pay for their weddings themselves, or both sets of parents contribute. However, there are certain wedding-related expenses that are traditionally the responsibility of the groom's family. These include the groom's wedding attire, the marriage license, the rehearsal dinner, and the honeymoon. The groom's family may also offer gifts to the groomsmen and the bride's bouquet and wedding flowers. In some cultures, it is customary for the bride's family to give presents to the groom's family, such as saris for the ladies and alcohol or shirts for the men.

Gifts for the groom's family

Wedding gifts are a thoughtful way to honour your union and commemorate the wedding day. While it is not mandatory to give gifts to the groom's family, it is a tradition in some cultures, such as South Asian weddings, for the bride's family to present gifts to the groom's immediate relatives. Here are some gift ideas for the groom's family:

Gifts for the Groom's Parents:

• A photo album or a framed photo of the couple.
• A personalised memory box with photo storage.
• A custom-made piece of art or a family heirloom.
• A set of engraved whiskey glasses.
• A nice watch for the groom's father.
• A piece of jewellery for the groom's mother.

Gifts for the Groom's Siblings:

• A personalised wallet or a luxury grooming kit for the groom's brother.
• A nice piece of jewellery, such as a bracelet or a necklace, for the groom's sister.
• Customised accessories like cufflinks or a pocket watch.
• A scrapbook or a journal.

Gifts for Other Family Members:

• Flowers for the groom's grandmother.
• A bottle of their favourite alcohol or a set of alcohol-themed gifts, such as whiskey glasses or a beer backpack cooler, for uncles and cousins.
• Saris or unstitched clothing for aunts.
• Personalised mugs or homeware items.

Remember, these gift ideas can be adjusted to fit your budget and the level of formality you desire. The thoughtfulness and sentiment behind the gift are often more important than its monetary value.

Who pays for the honeymoon

Traditionally, the groom and his family are expected to pay for the honeymoon, while the bride's family pays for the wedding ceremony and reception. However, modern celebrations often see couples paying for their honeymoon themselves, especially if their parents are paying for the wedding.

Some couples start a joint savings account to save up for their honeymoon, while others may have one partner cover the honeymoon expenses and the other pay for another aspect of the wedding.

• Open a dedicated savings account.
• Put cash and cheques from wedding gifts towards the trip.
• Open a travel or airline credit card to earn points and rewards.
• Do your research and know how to book within your budget.
• Create a honeymoon fund as part of your wedding registry, allowing guests to contribute to specific aspects of the trip such as flights, hotels, or activities.
• Use any monetary gifts from family and friends to fund the honeymoon.

The groom's attire

The Color

The color of the suit or tuxedo depends on personal preference. However, it is a good idea to consider the color palette of the entire day, the wedding location, and what colors complement the groom's features. Lighter colors are more suitable for warmer seasons, while darker colors are better for autumn and winter.

The Style

The style of the groom's attire can be classic, modern, or bohemian. A classic look typically involves a gray, black, or blue suit with a tailored fit. A modern look might include straight-legged trousers and a form-fitting jacket. The bohemian style is all about unique color and pattern choices, such as a tweed suit or a suit with a southwestern design.

The Dress Code

The dress code of the wedding will also influence the groom's attire. For a white-tie event, the most formal dress code, the groom should wear a tuxedo with tails and a waistcoat. For a black-tie event, a tuxedo is still required but with more room for color and style choices. Black-tie optional or formal weddings offer more flexibility, with the option of a tuxedo or a formal suit. For cocktail attire, a dark suit with a bow tie or straight tie is appropriate. Semi-formal or dressy casual weddings are even more relaxed, with the option to experiment with colors, fabrics, and accessories.

The Season and Location

The season and location of the wedding will also impact the groom's attire. For example, a beach wedding might call for a linen suit or a more casual outfit like shorts and a button-down shirt. An outdoor or backyard wedding could include a chambray or denim dress shirt. A winter wedding is a great opportunity for thicker fabrics and layers, such as a tuxedo with a thicker wool or a three-piece suit.

The Cost

The cost of the groom's attire can vary widely, ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to four figures. The average groom spends between $200 and $499 on their wedding outfit.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when choosing the groom's attire for a wedding. By taking into account the dress code, season, location, and personal style, the groom can put together an outfit that makes him look and feel amazing on his special day.

Gifts for the groomsmen

While the groom's family is not expected to give wedding favors, it is customary for the groom to give gifts to his groomsmen as a token of appreciation. Here are some thoughtful and unique gift ideas for the groomsmen:

• Personalized coolers or cooler bags are practical gifts that can be used during the wedding weekend and beyond.
• For the outdoorsy types, a sleek, insulated stainless steel tumbler or travel mug will come in handy for coffee or beer, depending on the occasion.
• For something more personal, consider engraved money clips, cufflinks, or leather wallets.
• If your groomsmen are whiskey enthusiasts, a classic decanter and tumbler set or a set of custom lowball glasses will be well-received.
• For a fun twist, gift them cocktail-flavored lip balms, such as Bourbon or Moscow Mule, for a unique way to pamper themselves.
• For the music lover, gift a set of music-themed coasters made from upcycled records, or a portable Bluetooth speaker for their adventures.
• A quality chef's knife with a leather sheath will be appreciated by the foodies in your crew.
• For something more lighthearted, gift them funny drink koozies, such as mini jackets for their beer cans.
• For the golfers, monogrammed golf markers or a putting green for their desk will be a hole-in-one.
• A shaving kit with high-quality products will help your groomsmen look sharp and feel refreshed on the big day and every day.
• For something truly unique, consider custom bobbleheads crafted to resemble each groomsman—imagine the laughs and memories these will bring!

The marriage license

While wedding favors are a thoughtful gesture, they are not necessary. It is more traditional for the groom or his family to cover the cost of the marriage license. This legal document is essential for individuals to obtain before getting married, especially if one or both partners are planning on changing their names.

The process of obtaining a marriage license varies depending on location, but there are some general guidelines to follow. Firstly, you'll need to establish a date and location for your wedding, as marriage licenses expire and are usually only valid for a certain period after they are issued. For example, a marriage license in New York is effective for 60 days, while one in California has a 90-day timeframe.

Once you have determined the date and location, you'll need to gather the necessary documentation, such as proof of identity (typically a driver's license or passport), and visit the county clerk's office to apply for the license. In some places, such as New York City, you can fill out the application online, while others may require an in-person appointment. It's important to check the specific requirements for your county, as some states may also require additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or a witness to the application.

There is typically a fee for applying for a marriage license, which can range from $35 to $150, so be sure to bring the correct form of payment, as many offices do not accept credit cards. After submitting your application, you'll usually receive your marriage license within a few days.

Once you have your marriage license, don't forget to get the required signatures from the couple, officiant, and witnesses (if applicable) on your wedding day. Finally, it is the officiant's responsibility to return the signed license to the county clerk, either by mail or in person.

Frequently asked questions