Q.
My friend's son is getting married and he just told her that the groom's parents are supposed to pay for the honeymoon! I have never heard of this. My friend is not well off, and she doesn't know what to do. What should she do?
A.
Sounds like her son is trying to use etiquette to his advantage! Traditionally, the groom and his family are responsible for financing the honeymoon, but these days -- especially with people marrying later in life -- the task often falls to the groom himself (or to the couple). Your friend may be able to contribute a portion of the trip, but she is in no way obligated to do so. Though it won’t be easy to sort out the financing with her son, she can at least breathe a bit easier knowing that she’s not expected to foot the bill.
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NicoleP2011
applevacations.com is awesome. they have tons of all inclusive trips. we are going to cancun for our honeymoon. total cost is about $1500 (thats roundtrip air, all food and alcohol included for 2 people!)
misslaryss90
While I can understand how the friend feels, perhaps the bride's parents are very traditional? Depending on the age of the bride and groom, it might not be possible for them to finance their own honeymoon; my parents are not particularly well off, but they are financing the entire wedding, so why would it be inappropriate to ask his parents to at least contribute to the honeymoon?
daileyc
Perhaps she could suggest a honeymoon registry to help offset the cost of the getaway! Traveler's Joy is one of many sites that work as registries for honeymoons.