Wedding Expenses Split: Who Pays for What in 2025

When it comes to wedding expenses split, how the cost of a wedding is divided between the couple, their families, and sometimes friends. Also known as wedding budget sharing, it’s no longer about tradition—it’s about what works for your situation. Ten years ago, parents paid for most of it. Today, nearly 60% of couples cover the bulk of their own wedding, according to real data from UK couples planning in 2024. The old rules? They’re fading fast.

The bridal costs, expenses tied to the bride’s side like the dress, hair, makeup, and often the reception, used to be the family’s responsibility. But now, many brides pay for their own gown or split it with their partner. Meanwhile, the groom’s expenses, typically including the suit, rings, honeymoon, and sometimes the band or alcohol, are also being redefined. It’s not about who’s "supposed" to pay—it’s about who can afford what and who wants to contribute. Some couples split everything 50/50. Others do it by category. A few let parents cover the venue, while the couple handles food and photography.

What you’ll find in this collection isn’t a rigid rulebook. It’s a real look at how people are handling money on their big day. You’ll see how couples with $10,000 budgets make every pound count, how some avoid debt by skipping expensive days, and why photographers don’t hand over raw files—because you’re paying for art, not files. You’ll learn how much flowers really cost, whether DIY decor saves money, and how to talk to a jeweler about your ring budget without feeling pressured. These aren’t theoretical ideas. They’re from real couples in Bristol and beyond who’ve been there.

There’s no single right way to split wedding expenses. But there are smart ways. And below, you’ll find honest stories, practical checklists, and cost breakdowns that help you plan without stress—not by following old customs, but by making choices that fit your life, your money, and your relationship.