When it comes to tying the knot in Ireland, it’s not surprising that the question of who pays for the wedding is steeped in centuries-old customs. Looking back through the ages, the bride's family would traditionally pay. More recently, it's common for both the bride and groom's families to share the responsibility. Then there's other couples who choose to fully pay for everything themselves in order to have the final say on the details. Keep reading as we explore the financial etiquette of an Irish wedding celebration.
Who Pays for the Wedding in Traditional Irish Culture?
Ireland is a land with a deep history, where every tradition has its own unique backstory, and its approach to wedding finances is no exception. It was once customary for the bride's family to bear the brunt of the wedding expenses – a tradition that reflected her parents welcoming and extending generosity and hospitality to the groom and his family.
From covering the cost of the venue, catering, flowers and decorations to the wedding attire, transportation and even the honeymoon, the bride’s family typically paid for it all – a sign, perhaps, of her family's commitment to ensuring their daughter's special day is nothing short of magical.
Today, Customs Have Evolved
In contemporary times, Irish wedding traditions have evolved to reflect the changing dynamics of society. While the bride's family traditionally took on the lion's share of expenses, these days, it's not uncommon for the groom's family to contribute as well. This gesture symbolizes unity and shared responsibility for the couple's future – and a coming together of two families. Under these arrangements, the bride and groom’s families normally choose to pay for specific elements of the wedding, such as the rehearsal dinner, the honeymoon, or perhaps the entertainment component of the reception.
Other modern Irish couples may choose to finance their own wedding – an approach that allows the bride and groom greater autonomy in planning their dream wedding. Rather than feel bound to the whims and wishes of the family holding the purse strings, some couples prefer to pay for elements themselves: it’s the best way to ensure that it aligns with their personal tastes and preferences.
Guests: Be Generous and Gift-Giving
In Ireland, as is customary in many other places, wedding guests play a significant role in helping newlyweds start their life together on solid financial footing. But while gifts are ‘normal’ at weddings around the world, in an Irish wedding, monetary gifts are often given in envelopes, discreetly handed directly to the bride and groom during the wedding festivities. This unique alternative to a gift registry or a basket to simply leave a card is certainly a more heartfelt, personal way for wedding guests to contribute to the couple's financial future – and one that demonstrates the close-knit nature of Irish communities in general.
What About the Tax Man?
With any gift of cash or financial contributions often comes the question of whether tax is involved. The good news is that in Ireland, there is no tax on money contributed by parents to pay for a wedding. When it comes to gifts, as long as the couple are tax residents in Ireland, monetary gifts up to €3000 are tax free – whether it’s a wedding gift or a gift for another occasion.
Embracing Tradition with a Modern Twist
While certain Irish wedding traditions are strongly rooted in a bygone era, today, it’s clear that when it comes to who pays for a wedding in Ireland, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Couples and their families have the freedom to choose an approach that suits their unique circ*mstances and preferences.
Ultimately, whether the bride's family bears the financial responsibility, as was once customary, or taking a more modern approach, a wedding is a celebration of love, unity, and the promise of a bright future together. The most important aspect is the love shared between the couple; the rest is simply the icing on the wedding cake.
However you decide to mark the big day, and whoever foots the bill, Jules Bridal is here to help you do it in style. Discover timeless bridal jewellery, hair accessories and more.
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