Got any burning wedding planning questions? Ask us anything! __Pop the Question__ with our expert advisors here on Team-Z.

*Got a query about wedding planning you need answered? [Pop the question](https://www.zola.com/community/topic/ask-team-z) to our Zola advisors on Team-Z!*

You have questions, Zola’s Team-Z has answers! We get it. Wedding planning is something you don’t do very often, and from proposals, to [registry items](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) for your new home, navigating this new territory can be a mystery. Well, your fabulously knowledgeable wedding team here at Zola — Team-Z — wants to set you up for success by responding to your burning questions.

P.S. If you aren’t a part of [Zola’s vibrant community](https://www.zola.com/community/sign-up?returnTo=%2Fcommunity%2Ftopic%2Fask-team-z) yet, be sure to check it out! Our couples love sharing their very own wedding tips with other planning couples just like you. 

---

*Dear Team-Z,* I know that [planning a perfect wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding) is supposed to be fun and exciting, and — don’t get me wrong — it is. But I’m also struggling with feeling stressed out. I don’t want to take any of the joy out of planning my big day, so how can I manage the planning process with everything else that I’ve got to do? From working and being a dog parent to just living life, I find the extra wedding day duties stressful, and TBH, I’m feeling a little guilty about that. Any advice? 

*~ Messed with Stress*

## So, How Do You Stay Sane While Planning A Wedding?

*Dear Messed with Stress,* know that you aren’t alone! After all, life is busy already, and adding wedding planning stress on top of an already full life can leave your head spinning. Team-Z gets it! Although it’s normal for stress levels to rise, it’s also essential to keep your mental health and wellness top of mind. So, dealing with stressors correctly is vital.

As the wedding day approaches and your to-do list gets longer, it’s natural to experience wedding-related stress as you try to shorten your checklists. You should prioritize certain tasks, but don’t let yourself get overstressed, which can complicate the process and negatively impact your well-being. Or you could default to avoiding tasks altogether, forcing yourself to scurry last minute leading up to your special day.

There are many stressors during the wedding planning process, and it may feel like they’re coming at you from all directions. Trying to figure out your wedding budget, playing relationship gymnastics with your guests lists and seating charts, and coordinating your wedding venue and vendors – these are just a few of the reasons you may find yourself reeling as you get further into planning. And if you’re planning a destination wedding on top of it all?? It’s no surprise when couples often ask us about how to manage getting burnt out.

## How to Deal With Wedding Stress

The question gets popped, an engagement ring gets slipped on your finger, and all of a sudden, you’re expected to plan one of the biggest events of your life. It’s such a big ask! But Team-Z is here with 12 tips to help you breathe a little easier as you look forward to marrying the love of your life.

### 1. Hire a Wedding Planner
There’s a great debate over whether or not folks need someone to help them plan their big day. However, Team-Z is a big (massive, huge!) believer in hiring a trusted wedding planner. Not only can they help you stay on track and get organized, but planning weddings is what they do. Yes, they cost a bit extra, but they can help you save time and money (and stress) via their expertise.

### 2. Delegate Tasks to Others
From your bridesmaids to your in-laws, [everyone probably wants to help](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/who-should-help-you-plan-your-wedding) — so let them. Even if it’s small tasks, such as making sure the wedding party gifts get ordered and checking RSVPs to the rehearsal dinner. Your bridal party is capable, and many family members are willing to help.

### 3. Communication Is Key
Talk to your wedding planner and partner about expectations and your overall timeline. If you expect anyone else to do something — say a groomsman or your mom — be clear about your expectations. The more you can communicate, the better. Also, talk to your vendors every once in a while about how things are moving along without over-contacting them.

### 4. Practice Self Care
In addition to taking breaks, pamper yourself in ways that speak to you. Maybe you need to meditate for 30 minutes or reset your intentions during a yoga session. Possibly, the best thing is for you to get a massage or buy a luxe bath bomb and soak your worries away at home. Just make time to do so.

### 5. Schedule Date Nights
You and your loved one are experiencing one of the most exciting times in your relationship. Schedule regular date nights, even if you have to create boundaries, such as not talking about wedding ideas for an evening. Also, others may feel neglected, so plan a time to go for coffee with your BFF or take your mom to lunch. You’ll be glad you did!

### 6. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Things will get busier as the big day gets closer, so try to do things as early as possible. Formulate your wedding budget early so that you can stay on track. Also, do things like securing your wedding venue and vendors and buying your wedding dress (you’ll need alterations!) early in the process while the excitement is still high.

### 7. Create Wedding Planning Checklists
Have a notebook or section in your planner where you keep a [to-do list](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-10-things-to-do-when-planning-a-wedding). You may be in a meeting and think of something you need to do, so create a list. When you have time, you can add those details to your larger checklists. The more organized you are, the more clarity of mind you’ll have.

### 8. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Mentally prepare yourself that things can happen. Your invitations may arrive late, your florist may not be able to secure a specific flower, or your college BFF may not be able to attend. When unexpected situations happen, simply take a breath and think through alternate options.

### 9. Prioritize Your Mental Health
That stress you’re feeling isn’t something you should be handling alone. Communicate with your partner about your mental health, and take a break if necessary. Simply shutting down and going dark for a bit will worry everyone. Just let your loved ones, partner, and wedding planner know that you need a few days to reset. And there’s no reason to feel guilty about doing so.

### 10. Enjoy the Big Day
It may rain, or your favorite aunt may have a flight delay. These things will happen, but your wedding day is yours. It’s not called a big day for no reason! Being a newlywed after you say “I do” is you need to remember. Soak in the fact that others are there to celebrate you, and that alone can help melt the stress away.

Well, *Messed with Stress*, Team-Z wishes you no stress before the wedding and the best of luck on your big day. Enjoy!

Pop the Question: How Do I Stay Sane While Planning My Wedding?

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Pop the Question: "How Do I Stay Sane While Planning My Wedding?"

Ask Us Anything

All of your wedding planning has been categorized and budgeted down to the very last detail, but *wait*—did you remember to factor in tipping? In many cases, tipping is a gracious, if not expected, way to give to those who have helped you plan your wedding celebration.

First thing’s first: Double check the line items of your contract to ensure wedding vender tipping or a service charge isn’t already included. You want to follow proper etiquette when it comes to your wedding staff, but definitely don’t want to pay twice.

Booking each of your vendors is likely to be the most expensive portion of wedding planning process. Often, there are unexpected taxes, gratuities, and other fees that are tacked onto the final contract. Make sure to read all of the fine print and ask questions before signing. Even if you discussed the main details of the day and have a good feeling about the individuals or companies you’re working with, there may be charges that end up on your bill that you hadn’t initially planned for. And, one of those things may be a baked-in tipping cost. If this is the case, no need to add anything else.

On the other hand, if you have a vendor that you feel has gone above and beyond to make your celebration a success, personally tip an additional amount or give them a small gift to express your gratitude. Their job is to make your wedding go off without a hitch within the parameters of your contract and the capabilities allowed within the wedding venue. However, you can tell when a person goes the extra mile and it’s a nice gesture to extend your appreciation through tipping.

As you finalize your budget, include which wedding vendors to tip, [how much to tip them](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-tipping-wedding-vendors), and review contracts to confirm where gratuity is already factored into the final cost. Although you’ll want to follow standard tipping protocol, you don’t want to end up paying for the same thing more than once.

When it comes down to it, tipping is entirely at your discretion. When you’re happy with the service and/or  when certain vendors are expecting it as part of their full wages, it’s best to calculate these costs ahead of time.

Read on for more of our wedding tip guide below.

## When to Tip Wedding Vendors
Tipping at weddings should be handled upon services rendered or at the end of the reception. Give the responsibility of passing out tip envelopes to your maid of honor, best man, or [wedding planning coordinator](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/do-you-tip-wedding-coordinators). For the vendors where optional tips are welcome, feel free to mail a monetary appreciation or small gift to them after the honeymoon as you send out the rest of your thank you cards.

Another way to share gratitude in a helpful way—especially for vendors that are small businesses—is to post a positive online review, as well as share and tag photos on your social media channels. Also be sure to refer their services to friends, family, and colleagues. Word-of-mouth is a good way to spread your satisfaction with others and, hopefully, lead to future opportunities for your wedding vendors.

When it comes to who to tip at a wedding, don't forget that the decision is up to you. While it’s a nice gesture, you shouldn’t feel obligated to tip if you weren’t happy with the service. That said, know that most catering companies and other wait staff members will be expecting a tip if they've completed their job.

## Who Should You Tip on your Wedding Day?
The question doesn’t stop at do you tip your wedding venue, but *[what wedding vendors do you tip?](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/7-wedding-vendors-you-might-forget-to-tip)* Do you tip wedding vendors like your hairstylist, wedding cake baker, and florist? [Do you tip the wedding photographer](https://zola.app.link/CV9phGS5o9), musicians, and wedding planner? Some vendors expect a tip as part of their services. For example, standard tipping applies for your hairstylist the same as it does if you were visiting for a regular haircut or blowout. You may want to add more if you have an intricate hairstyle for your wedding day or the salon has made special accommodations for you and your wedding party.

On the other hand, the person or bakery that makes your wedding cake isn’t likely expecting a tip. That is, unless they have delivery staff bringing the final product to you. The total amount, which may include delivery to the venue, should be calculated in the final contract amount. If that’s the case, this is a situation where tipping is optional. If they’ve managed to go beyond what they normally provide for their customers, or have made a cake look far more stunning than you could ever have imagined, of course, feel free to add a tip.

*Other wedding vendors in addition to your wedding venue that are likely to expect a tip for services include:*

- Hair and makeup artists

- Transportation companies

- Delivery drivers

- Reception staff

- Wedding officiant

### Hair and Makeup Artists
As mentioned, tip your hair and makeup artist in the same way you would for a salon visit. This can be anywhere from 15-25% of your total bill. Many hair stylists will offer brides-to-be a trial run or consultation for their wedding updo or style. This should be factored into the cost, as well as how long your hair or makeup appointment lasts. Also, tipping leans toward the higher side if you’ve hired a team for the day for touch ups.

### Transportation
Hiring a limousine, trolley car, or other special transportation for you and your wedding party is a common wishlist item for couples. For unique wedding rides, driver gratuity may already be factored into the final bill. Check this part of your contract when deciding if and when to tip. If there’s mention that gratuity is appreciated, but not included, consider how prompt and friendly the service is and tip accordingly. 

### Delivery Drivers
The people who deliver your cake, flowers, rental chairs, and all other wedding decorations and details need to be tipped as well. For certain vendors, they may already add delivery costs into their contract, but actual tipping is likely not included. Reserve $5-$10 per person in cash envelopes to have your venue or wedding coordinator distribute as necessary.

For these tips, be sure to pull out money from the bank well in advance of your big day. Set the cash aside in separate envelopes that are clearly labeled and sealed.

Although these tips are $10 here and there, depending on how many vendors you have and the amount of services required, they can quickly add up and take you over your original budget.

![Wedding Venue Tip](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7D80qSxXEB1UdKQyY2XuD2/855206ad91a62279713740773b3f61f9/Inline_RusticSummerWeddingatCarondeletHouse_HailleyHowardPhotography.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Hailley Howard Photography

### Reception Waitstaff
Tip waitstaff and bartenders in the same way you would in a restaurant. If the service is excellent and well-managed, 20% is ideal. Keep in mind there’s likely a service fee included as part of your venue contract, which means you won’t need to include a tip on top of that, unless you are blown away by the service. For cash bars, guests can tip bartenders as they wish.

## Vendors Where Tipping is Optional
*In addition to the vendors who are expecting tips, here is a list of vendors where tipping is optional:*

- Wedding planner

- Photographer/videographer

- Ceremony musicians

- Florist

### Wedding Planner
Many couples [hire a wedding planner](https://zola.app.link/QP9O1sNWo9). This is an additional position to the venue coordinator onsite. This person is with you from the very beginning and handles everything from scheduling vendors to alleviating wedding day stress. The best wedding planners have a personal touch, which proves invaluable when it comes to creating your dream wedding. If this is the case, consider a tip of 10-20% of the total bill or opt to send a personal note and gift of gratitude. 

### Photographer/Videographer
[Photographer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/should-you-tip-wedding-photographers) and videographer services are clearly laid out in the contract, as you’re typically working with business owners. Considerations for tipping include if a second shooter is needed or if there are extenuating circumstances where the photographer had to adapt more than planned to get the shots you wanted. Whether they're a [wedding photographer from Tampa](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/tampa-fl--wedding-photographers), FL or Chicago, IL, tipping $50-$100 is customary or you can also give a personal gift as an alternative.

### Ceremony Musicians
Much like a wedding planner and the wedding photographer, the contract you have with the musicians hired for both the wedding ceremony and wedding reception include setup time, hours played, and more. This should be clearly laid out in their contract so you are all aware and agree to the expectations. If your wedding band goes above and beyond in accommodating song requests or navigating a difficult set up, consider adding in a tip of approximately $20-$35 per musician.

![Wedding Venue Tip](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6ndWyDA5XyHfmlvTDIOFQM/390483f909ea5b1709eb8ef3894cf7cc/Inline_SummerF__tewithGorgeousViews_MoondancePhotography.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Moondance Photography

### Florist
Many florists will offer free delivery depending on where your wedding venue is located. When tipping, consider how responsive the florist was with your requests, changes, setup at the venue, and other key moments to make the process flow seamlessly. If you loved the final product and were amazed by the level of service, tip away. A 10-15% gratuity is a nice addition to the final invoice or can be sent separately with a thank you note.

## Vendors Where Tipping Depends on Contract Conditions
All of this being said, there are a few vendors for which things can be a tad more confusing. Whether or not you should tip them may not be as clear-cut as traditional wedding tip etiquette. However, if you take a good first (or second, or third) look at your vendor contract, you should be able to figure out whether or not a tip is necessary—or already included. We recommend keeping this in mind before signing on any dotted lines. Don’t hesitate to ask any potential vendors questions if you’re confused on wording or the contents of a proposal.

Prop tip: A service charge and gratuity aren’t necessarily the same thing, as the service charge doesn’t always go directly to employees, such as delivery people or waitstaff. Feel free to ask potential vendors what their service charge is going to, if it isn’t made clear in their proposal.

*Here is a list of vendors where tipping depends on the conditions laid out in your contract.*

- Bartenders

- Catering staff

- Chauffeurs or drivers

- Venue staff (coat check attendants, restroom attendants, parking valet, banquet manager, etc.)

## Wedding Tipping Recommendations
Creating and paying mind to a wedding budget can be difficult enough for those who don’t do this sort of thing regularly (i.e. most of us). Add gratuity customs and the entire process can easily become overwhelming. With that in mind, we leave you with a handful of helpful tips to aid you along the wedding tipping process. Keep them top-of-mind as you navigate your budget, vendors, and final numbers.

### Prepare Tips in Advance
If you are tipping specific vendors, prepare the tips in advance. We especially recommend this when it comes to cash tips. Separate each tip by the appropriate amount and place each in its own dedicated envelope. On your wedding day, give them to someone trustworthy, such as your wedding planner—or, if you’d rather, keep hold of them yourself—and distribute them at the appropriate times (typically, at the end of the night).

### Leave Positive Reviews
In any case—in-person gratuity, mailed gratuity, or built-in gratuity—consider leaving your vendors good reviews. Reliable reviews are how most vendors gain business, so if you were impressed, we highly suggest leaving a comment or post about their good work.

### Tag Your Vendors in Posts
If you’ll be posting about your wedding on social media, consider tagging the vendors your feature. For example, if you post a photo highlighting the gorgeous florals, tag your florist. This way, people can easily find them. Plus, many vendors enjoy reposting their work—or just knowing you enjoyed it!

Tipping is a cost you may not have previously considered as you're creating your wedding budget, but it’s an important one. Outlining the amount for each vendor and/or choosing personal gifts you want to purchase ahead of time will alleviate the stress of handling it at the last minute. Follow proper wedding etiquette when it comes to tipping, while reserving your right to tip the top amount for only those who provide truly exceptional service.

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Checklist for Couples 

Destination Wedding Cost + Tips to Cut Costs

Do You Tip Wedding Coordinators?

How Much Should Bridesmaid Bouquets Cost? 

Venues

Which Vendors Should You Tip On Your Wedding Day?

Planning 101

As a couple [planning a wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding), there are a lot of things that you need to work into your [wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)—you need to pay for the [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue), the [wedding caterer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-ask-a-wedding-caterer), the [wedding flowers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-most-popular-wedding-flowers), the [bachelor](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelor-parties) and/or [bachelorette party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelorette-parties)… it’s a lot to think about!

But, while most of the things you, as the couple, have to pay for are pretty clear, there are a few wedding-related expenses that feel more like a question mark—and that includes the bridesmaid hair and makeup.

When it comes to getting bridesmaid hair and makeup, what’s the proper etiquette? Is it a cost that the bridesmaids cover themselves—or is the bride supposed to cover the bill?

Let’s take a deep dive into all things bridesmaid hair and makeup—including who pays for it, how to pay for it, and what to do if there’s a disagreement over who should pay for it:

__Table of Contents:__

- <a href="#1">Does the bride pay for the bridesmaid's hair and makeup—or do the bridesmaids pay for themselves?</a>
- <a href="#2">Things to consider when determining who is going to pay for bridesmaid hair and makeup.</a>
- <a href="#3">Different payment scenarios for bridesmaid hair and makeup.</a>
- <a href="#4">What to do if there’s a disconnect over who pays for bridesmaid hair and makeup.</a>
- <a href="#5">Who pays the hair and makeup team?</a>

## Does the Bride Pay for the Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup?<a id="1"> </a>

Let’s jump right into it. When it comes to bridesmaid hair and makeup, who’s responsible for payment—the bride or the bridesmaid? __The answer is that it depends.__

We wish there was a definitive answer (“the bride always pays for their bridesmaids’ hair and makeup!” or “the bridesmaids always pay for their hair and makeup!”), but the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In some scenarios, it makes sense for the bride to cover all the hair and makeup expenses for her [wedding party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/build-the-perfect-wedding-party). In other scenarios, it makes more sense for the wedding party to cover their [hair and makeup costs](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-hair-and-makeup-costs). And, in other scenarios, the bride might cover part of the expenses, with the bridesmaids footing the rest of the bill.

So, the question is—how do you determine which scenario is the most appropriate for your wedding?

## Things to Consider When Determining Who Is Going to Pay<a id="2"> </a>
When it comes to deciding who pays for bridesmaid hair and makeup costs—the bride or the bridesmaids—there are a few things that you’ll want to consider, including:

### Your—and Your Wedding Party’s—Financial Situation

The biggest factor you’ll need to take into consideration when ironing out the details around who is going to pay for bridesmaid hair and makeup is the current financial situation of both yourself and your bridesmaids.

If you know that one—or all—of your bridesmaids are struggling financially, you may not feel comfortable asking them to shell out additional funds to get glammed up for your wedding. And, in that scenario, it would make sense for you to cover their hair and makeup costs.

On the flip side, if you’re the one who is struggling to cover wedding costs, while your bridesmaids are all doing well financially, it wouldn’t make sense for you to go into debt to cover their wedding day hair and wedding makeup. Therefore, in that scenario, it would make sense for them to cover their costs.

The point is when deciding who should pay for hair and makeup—the bride or the bridesmaids—it’s important to consider everyone’s financial situation.

### Hair and Makeup Costs

Another factor that comes into play when figuring out who should cover bridesmaid hair and makeup is the actual cost of the service.

For example, let’s say that you book a hair and bridal makeup team at a significantly higher price point than most—and insist that your [bridal party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-a-wedding-party-and-do-you-need-one) uses that beauty team. Because you’re choosing the most expensive option—and not giving your bridesmaids any less expensive alternatives—you should foot the bill.

On the flip side, if you give your bridesmaids free rein to choose whatever hair and makeup option work for their budget (for example, hitting a blow-dry bar before heading to your wedding venue), then it’s appropriate to ask them to cover the cost of their wedding hairstyle.

### Other Costs

Before deciding whether your bridesmaids should pay for their hair and makeup, it’s important to consider what other costs they’ve had to cover—and whether adding another cost to their tab is the right move.

For example, if you decided to host a destination wedding—and your bridesmaids have already shelled out hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars for flights, hotels, and wedding-related excursions, then you might want to consider paying for their hair and makeup as a thank you. On the flip side, if you’re having a low-key wedding in your backyard—and your bridesmaids haven’t had any significant expenses associated with your wedding—then it’s probably appropriate to ask them to cover their hair and makeup costs.

### Expectations Around Payment

Some bridesmaids accept the job under the assumption that the bride is going to pay for certain things—including hair and makeup. And while your bridesmaids’ expectations certainly don’t have to dictate whether you pay for their hair and makeup, it’s something to keep in mind.

Also, if at any point you told your bridesmaids that you would be paying for their hair and makeup, you’ll want to live up to the expectation that you set and cover the costs.

## Different Payment Scenarios for Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup<a id="3"> </a>

There is not a yes or no answer to the questions “should the bride pay for the bridesmaids’ hair and makeup?” or “should the bridesmaids pay for their hair and makeup?” The truth is, depending on any of the factors above, several different scenarios could apply—some that have the bride covering the costs, some that have the bridesmaids covering the costs, and some that have them splitting the costs.

Some of the different payment scenarios for bridesmaid hair and makeup include:

### The Bride Pays for All the Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup Costs

One of the two most common payment scenarios for bridesmaid hair and makeup is the bride covering all the costs.

This scenario makes sense when the bride has the budget to cover the costs, and/or knows the bridesmaids don’t have the cash on hand to cover their hair and makeup. This scenario is also appropriate if the bride insists on going with hair and makeup [wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) that are significantly more expensive than other available options.

### The Bridesmaids Pay for All Their Hair and Makeup Costs

The other most common payment scenario for bridesmaid hair and makeup is the bridesmaids covering the costs themselves.

This scenario makes sense when the bridesmaids are both willing and financially able to pay for their hair and makeup, and/or the bride is working with a limited wedding budget. This scenario is also appropriate if the bride gives the bridesmaids flexibility over their hair and makeup (for example, letting them choose their hairstylist or tapping a friend that’s a makeup artist to do their makeup for a steep discount).

### Some Bridesmaids Pay for Themselves, While the Bride Covers the Others

Having the bride pay for all the bridesmaid's hair and makeup—or having all the bridesmaids cover their hair and makeup costs—is generally the easiest way to do it. But, if most of the bridesmaids are willing and able to pay for their hair and makeup—except for one or two that are struggling financially—it could make sense for the bride to cover costs for only those bridesmaids (while the rest of the wedding party covers their costs).

(If you decide to go with this payment scenario, just keep in mind that it probably makes sense to keep the fact that you’re paying for certain bridesmaids between you and those bridesmaids; otherwise, it could lead to feelings of resentment from the other bridesmaids who are covering their costs.)

### The Bride and the Bridesmaids Split the Cost

Another option for paying for bridesmaid hair and makeup is splitting the cost between the bride and the bridesmaids.

For example, you could split the cost right down the middle, with the bride covering 50 percent and each bridesmaid covering the other 50 percent. Or, you could have the bride pay for hair, while the bridesmaids pay for makeup (or vice versa). 

This payment can be a great compromise, as the full cost burden doesn’t fall on the bride or the bridesmaids’ shoulders—making the costs easier to manage for both parties.

### No One Pays for Professional Hair and Makeup

If budget is an issue for both the bride and the bridesmaids, taking a DIY approach to [hair](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/diy-wedding-hair-tips) and [makeup](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/diy-wedding-makeup-tipshttps://www.zola.com/expert-advice/diy-wedding-makeup-tips)—which has little to no cost for everyone involved—could be the best option.

### Who Pays the Hair and Makeup Team?

If you’re using a wedding beauty team to glam up your bridesmaids (versus your bridesmaids going to an independent salon, stylist, or artist—or managing their hair and makeup), as the bride, YOU should be the one to pay them, even if the money is coming from the bridesmaids.

The last thing that your hair and makeup vendors want to do is manage multiple payments from bridesmaids—and keep track of who has paid, who hasn’t, and how much they need to collect.

If you’re paying for your bridesmaids’ hair and makeup, pay the hair and makeup artists directly. If your bridesmaids are paying for their hair and makeup, have them give the money to you before your wedding, and then pay the hair and makeup artists directly.

## What Happens If There’s a Disconnect Over Who Pays?<a id="4"> </a>

Ideally, you and your bridesmaids will agree on who should foot the bill for hair and makeup. But, what happens if you don’t agree? What if your bridesmaids think that you should cover their hair and makeup costs—and you were hoping that they’d pay for hair and makeup themselves?

This can be a sticky situation. As the bride, you can explain to your bridesmaids why you want or need them to cover their hair and makeup costs—but ultimately, you can’t force them to pay.

So, what do you do in that situation?

If your bridesmaids think that you should pay for their hair and makeup costs—and you disagree—you have a few options. If you can find wiggle room in your budget, you can decide to cover the costs—even if it’s not something you want/think you should have to do. If you don’t have the cash, you can let your bridesmaids know that they’ll be doing their hair and makeup for your wedding. Or, if you’re adamant about them having their hair and makeup done professionally, you can let them know that paying for hair and makeup is one of your non-negotiable bridesmaid responsibilities—and if they’re not willing to do it, unfortunately, they won’t be able to be a part of the wedding party.

Ultimately, you have to navigate any disagreements over who should pay for what—including bridesmaid hair and makeup—in a way that feels right to you. Just remember that you asked these people to be at your wedding party because they’re important to you, so make sure that you navigate the conversation in a way that preserves your relationship after the wedding is over.

## Get Clear on Who Pays from the Get-Go
<a id="5"> </a>
Now that you know everything that goes into determining who pays for bridesmaid hair and makeup, you’re armed with the information that you need to make the right decision for you, your wedding party, and your wedding. Decide who will be paying for bridesmaid hair and makeup as early as possible in the [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning) process, so that you can let your bridesmaids know what hair and makeup costs they will (or won’t) need well in advance of your wedding. This will also ensure that there won’t be any disagreements or misunderstandings on who pays for what on the big day.

Should You Use Airbrush Makeup on Your Wedding Day

Should You Use Airbrush Makeup on Your Wedding Day?

indian couple gets married with wedding party

How Many People Should Be In Our Wedding Party?

The Bridesmaid Duties: A Full Breakdown

The Ultimate Wedding Day Emergency Kit List 

Wedding Coordinator Tips & Tricks: How to Prepare For the Big Day

How to Prepare for Your Wedding Hair Trial

Who Pays for Bridesmaid’s Dresses? 

6 Effective Ways to Test Your Wedding Makeup

Bride's Crew

Who Pays for Bridesmaid Hair & Makeup?

Wedding Party

While every relationship is unique, it’s inevitable that each will face conflict. That being said, there are certain things you and your partner can do to create a solid relationship. 

To help you achieve a happy relationship built on trust, loyalty, and commitment, we tapped [Lesli Doares](http://foundationscoachingnc.com/about-lesli-doraes/), marriage coach and author of *[Blueprints for a Lasting Marriage](https://www.amazon.com/Blueprint-Lasting-Marriage-Happily-Intention-ebook/dp/B0057OKYZA)* to explain what traits take couples the distance. Here’s the [relationship advice](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/expert-approved-advice-for-every-relationship) she had to share:

## 1. Honesty

It’s paramount to be honest with both yourself and your partner, says Doares. While this may sound like common sense, it’s not unheard of for someone in a relationship to avoid little details or hide certain opinions in an attempt to avoid conflict. 

This is especially common early on in a relationship. And although you could be doing so with good intentions—whether you’re aware of it or not—being dishonest with or withholding information from your partner will inevitably cause issues. “You’ll be presenting a false self to [them]. This will either lead to feelings of betrayal and disappointment if you don’t follow through or feelings of resentment if you do, but don’t really want to,” Doares explains. You want to build a relationship where you not only trust one another, but also feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and being your true selves.

## 2. Good Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries early on in your relationship, as well as discussing them occasionally, is also crucial to a relationship’s foundation. This covers both how you want to be treated as well as how you want your relationship to be treated. “You have to know what is and isn’t acceptable to you and be able to enforce those boundaries in a healthy way. You teach people how to treat you, but if you accept inappropriate behavior you won’t feel safe or respected,” says Doares. “Boundaries also allow you to hold onto who you are while you’re part of a relationship. They allow you to create the independence that is the hallmark of a healthy relationship.”

It’s also important to note that your boundaries—as well as your partner’s—can shift and change throughout your relationship. Just be sure to communicate these changes with each other (refer back to that honesty point above).

## 3. Good Communication

One of the [strongest pillars of a good relationship](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/expert-approved-advice-for-every-relationship) is good communication. What does that mean exactly? You and your partner should be willing to be honest, transparent, and open with one another. You should also allow each other to express how you’re feeling without jumping to defensiveness. 

That doesn’t mean you’ll never encounter conflict, though. Since these moments are inevitable, the more important aspect is being able to talk about and work through those situations. “Knowing how to talk about tough stuff is a skill,” Doares notes. “Being able to handle disagreements and differences in a productive way is what will keep your love alive.”

![What Are the 5 Most Important Things in a Relationship? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/58hE9i2VgXjSi4MFcV6W8n/ddbfa870b83c6810a922029eae977a34/Inline_unsplash__43_.png)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

## 4. Respect

You and your partner should always, without fail, treat each other with respect. When there’s respect in your relationship you recognize each other’s unique wants, needs, feelings, and boundaries, and don’t use controlling or manipulative behavior. 

“The biggest challenge to a good relationship is recognizing and accepting that you are two different people,” says Doares. “Trying to ‘change’ each other is disrespectful. It’s always okay to ask for a different behavior, but not a different personality.[ Making room for the differences ](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/why-do-opposites-attract)and being willing to learn from them is the real benefit of a relationship.” 

A relationship ultimately won’t work out if you don’t regard each other as individuals. On the other hand, if you have respect for one another and acknowledge your differences, you’ll be able to learn and grow together.

## 5. Intentional Love

Perhaps most importantly, you must actively love each other. “Love is a verb. Acting in a loving way that shows you actually like and value your partner is critical,” says Doares. 

This doesn’t mean you’re always going to like what they’re doing. What it does mean, though: No matter what, you treat your partner with honesty, respect, and put an effort towards good communication. (See how it’s all coming together?) 

You can also show your partner intentional love by being interested, showing empathy, and performing small acts of kindness. When you show appreciation and care for one another and are truly happy, you’re more willing to make things work.

## More Important Things for Relationships
There are a number of other elements you need in order to [make a relationship work](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/26-married-couples-explain-what-makes-their-relationships-work), including:

## 6. Spending time together
You can't [build a strong relationship](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-keep-your-relationship-strong) with investing time in it. So, one of the most important things in a relationship? Spending time together.

In order for your relationship to thrive, you and your partner need to want to spend time together—and not just any time, but quality time. Make time for date nights, long conversations, and experiencing new things with your partner.

## 7. Being supportive
You and your partner are a team—and teammates support each other. The healthiest relationships are the ones where each person loves and supports the other, whether they're celebrating a win (like a promotion at work) or going through a tough time (like the loss of a family member).

## 8. Being willing to forgive
No one is perfect—and that includes you and your partner. In order for a relationship to succeed, both people need to be willing to forgive the other person when they make a mistake, say something hurtful, or otherwise fall short of their potential as a partner.

## 9. Commitment
Even the best relationships require effort. And in order for a relationship to work, both partners need to be committed to putting forth the necessary effort. While the level of commitment will depend on the length and seriousness of the relationships, all romantic relationships require at least some commitment; otherwise, it's too easy to walk if and when things get challenging.

## 10. Having a healthy sense of separation
You're part of a couple—but you're also your own person. Maintaining a healthy sense of separation (for example, by continuing to pursue your own hobbies and maintain friendships) will ensure that you and your partner continue to grow as individuals—and is a must for mental health and well-being.

## 11. Acceptance
As mentioned, no one is perfect—and, chances are, there are going to be things about your partner that get under your skin, especially as the relationship progresses. But accepting your partner for exactly who they are—including their flaws and all the little things that annoy you—is a must if you want your relationship to succeed in the long-term.

![What Are the 5 Most Important Things in a Relationship? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2U8jTY1Hb4iO99zg3VGeef/0e9c396c1b1de4f02c74d32afc2c0db0/Inline_unsplash__44_.png) *Photo Credit* // Unsplash 

## 12. Loyalty 
If you want to build trust in a long-term relationship, loyalty is a must. Now, loyalty can mean different things for different couples; the key is to remain loyal to the relationship parameters that you and your partner have agreed on, whether that's complete monogamy or a more open relationship.

## 13. A willingness to compromise
There are two people in every relationship. And while you might prefer to do things your own way, if you want a healthy, happy relationship, you need to be willing to compromise and meet your partner in the middle (and vice versa).

## 14. The ability to let things go
All lasting relationships will encounter arguments, disagreements, and conflict at some point. But holding on to those conflicts (and the hurt feelings they may have caused) after they've been resolved can weaken the bond between you and your partner. So, if you want to keep your relationship moving forward (and avoid a break up), you need to be willing to work through conflicts with your partner—and then let them go.

## 15. Not just loving each other, but liking each other
Loving your partner is important. But liking them is equally important. In a healthy, happy relationship, you should genuinely like your partner as a person—and they should feel the same way about you.

## Unhealthy Relationship Habits

Now that you know the elements of a healthy relationships, let's take a look at a few red flags that indicate a relationship is not healthy:

- __Disrespect.__ In a healthy relationship, you feel respected by your partner—and your partner feels respected by you. If that respect doesn't exist—or worse, you feel actively disrespected by your partner (for example, they speak down to you or are repeatedly stand you up for dates)—a healthy relationship just isn't possible.
- __Controlling behavior.__ It doesn't matter how long you've been in a relationship; you are your own person—and, as such, are in control of yourself and your life. If your partner tries to control you in any way (for example, by dictating the clothing you wear, the people you talk to, what job you have, or how you spend your time or money), it's not just a sign your relationship is unhealthy; it's a sign you may be in an abusive relationship.
- __Stonewalling.__ Healthy relationships require active and open communication. If your partner regularly refuses to communicate or gives you the silent treatment after an argument, consider it a major red flag.

Sharing these values with your partner isn’t a guarantee that things will always run smoothly or work out. They are, however, wonderful tools when it comes to facing conflict, showing your partner appreciation, and working towards a successful relationship.

The 3 Best Pieces of Marriage Advice, According to a Marriage Therapist

How to Be a Better Partner

Why Do Opposites Attract?

Is Love at First Sight Real?

Getting Engaged

What Are the 15 Most Important Things in a Relationship?

Pre-Wedding Activities

When it comes to wedding ring placement and which finger to wear a wedding ring on, traditions vary around the world. In many cultures, people wear their wedding ring on the fourth finger on the left hand—often called the “ring finger.”

But that’s certainly not true of all cultures. Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know about wedding ring fingers, including a bit of history behind this custom—as well as more information about wedding ring placement traditions around the world:

![ring-fingers-explained](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6iatpmPFuRn0Ug1r3sevR6/41504698e13dc633868817cf140dc6ad/ring-fingers-explained.png)

### What Is the Significance of the Fourth Finger on the Left Hand?
Wedding rings were worn by __[ancient Egyptians](https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/blog/2019/03/the-history-of-the-wedding-ring/)__ on the left-hand ring finger from around 4000 B.C., a custom that was later adopted by early civilizations in ancient Rome and Greece. This fourth-finger tradition comes from the belief that this particular digit connected directly to the heart via a vein that early Romans referred to as the vena amoris, or vein of love. Eventually, the ring finger came to symbolize the connection of two newlyweds’ hearts (both brides and grooms) and their shared union of love.

Ancient Romans believed the ring finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, known as the *vena amoris*, or vein of love. 

![vein-of-love ](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7kw4YzvfUKn3qxDdehFLre/780d46d278dd81ed08cb9f87f61f9436/vein-of-love__1_.png)

### Can I Wear My Wedding Ring on My Right Hand?
Short answer: Yes! While wearing your wedding ring on your left-hand ring finger might be tradition, __[there’s no rule that says you have to follow that tradition](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/new-wedding-traditions)__. Ultimately, the choice for your wedding finger comes down to personal preference. While wearing your wedding ring on your left-hand ring finger might be tradition, you can (and should!) wear your rings on whichever finger is most meaningful to you. 

![follow-your-own-tradition ](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7bYSg2HwCSQNg1cSMy74Lk/ae58f44d3fa2134b6384d0064c63cc57/follow-your-own-tradition__1_.png)

If you’re wondering about the meaning behind wearing your wedding ring on your right hand, the answer varies depending on different cultures and religions. While some early Romans adhered to the “vein of love” legend and placed the ring on the left hand, it’s also believed that some viewed the left hand as untrustworthy and unreliable, while the right hand symbolized honor and trust—thus, the wedding band was worn on the right hand.

Ancient legends aside, there are plenty of cultures today that wear wedding rings on the right hand. Again, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

For example, wedding rings are more commonly worn on the right hand in certain Eastern European and Latin-American countries and in religions like Orthodox Christianity. In Jewish tradition and in other countries like Syria, Brazil, Turkey, and Lebanon, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand up until the wedding and transferred to the left hand after the ceremony. Ring Finger FAQs Which Finger Does a Promise Ring Go On? Traditionally given as an outward symbol of commitment to another person, promise rings are often worn on the ring finger (the fourth finger) of either hand. If worn on the left hand, it’s also common to move the promise ring to the right-hand ring finger after getting engaged. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule—some people opt for the fourth-finger custom when it comes to their promise ring, while some choose to sport it on a different finger entirely.

## Ring Finger Explained
In Western cultures, the traditional ring finger is the fourth finger on the left hand.

Not all countries follow the Western ring finger tradition.

Traditionally, wearing a ring on your ring finger signifies that you’re in a committed relationship.

There’s no rule that says you must follow the ring finger tradition. Do what feels right for you!

## Other Wedding Ring Traditions Around the World 
As mentioned, traditions around wedding ring placement by country and culture. Let’s take a look at wedding ring traditions of different countries around the globe: 

- __Russia.__ In Russia, people traditionally wear wedding rings on their right hand—more specifically, on the ring finger of the right hand.

- __Germany.__ Germans also typically wear their wedding rings on their right-hand ring finger.

- __Norway.__ Norway is another country that embraces the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the right hand.

- __Austria.__ Austria borders Germany—and so it would make sense the two countries would share the tradition of wearing a wedding band on the ring finger of the right hand.

- __India.__ Traditionally, Indian culture viewed the left hand as unlucky and/or unsanitary. As such, wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right-hand ring finger.

### Which Finger Does an Engagement Ring Go On?
In most Western countries, it’s tradition to [wear an engagement ring](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/where-you-can-and-cant-wear-your-engagement-ring) on the fourth finger of the left hand. During the __[wedding ceremony](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-ceremony-ideas)__, it’s common to shift the engagement ring to the right-hand ring finger once the wedding rings are exchanged—this stems from the tradition of wearing the wedding ring closest to the heart, but it also makes the wedding ring placement easier while the ceremony commences (just shift your engagement ring back to your left-hand ring finger after the ceremony!).

![expert-ring-advice](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/30uILAVQpOrJj35NROlUxF/771bd757a71cea05289b42f208fe4dcd/expert-ring-advice.png)

### Expert Advice
Shift your [engagement ring](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/dont-like-engagement-ring) to your right hand on your wedding day to make ring placement easier during the ceremony. Just shift it back to your left-hand ring afterward!

### Can I Stack My Engagement Ring and Wedding Ring? 
Definitely! If you’ve chosen to wear your engagement and wedding rings on the same finger, stacking is a popular way to sport them. How you stack them is up to you. If you want to follow the tradition of [wearing your wedding ring](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/popular-wedding-ring-styles-for-2021) closest to your heart, you’d place your wedding ring at the bottom of the stack toward the base of the knuckle. (If you’re concerned with your rings’ ability to stack neatly on top of each other, jewelers can help you get the right fit.)

To achieve this on your wedding day, it’s helpful to switch your engagement ring to your right hand before the ceremony—that way, your partner can easily slide the wedding ring on your left finger during the ring exchange. Top it off with your engagement ring afterward, and voila! You might also consider getting the two rings soldered together down the line to create a single stacked ring, if you like that look. 
### Can I Wear My Rings All the Time? 
It might be tempting to keep your rings on all the time, but we recommend removing them occasionally—especially during certain activities—to avoid scratching the metal or clouding up the stone. Your day-to-day activities won’t harm your wedding rings, but here’s when you should remove them: 

- When working heavily with your hands
- When working with harsh cleaning chemicals 
- In the shower (certain products may cause cloudy buildup on your stone) 
- While lifting weights 
- In chlorine pools or hot tubs
- On the beach 
- Before bed to avoid finger swelling 

That said, there’s always the option to switch out your wedding ring for a __[silicone ring](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/qalo_womens_modern_silicone_ring_tie-dye)__ if you’d prefer to keep a ring on at all times. The silicone material stands up against tough environments and activities like those outlined above, and is a great work-around if you don’t want to part with your ring!
### Can I Wear Rings on My Ring Finger if I’m Not Engaged or Married?  
There’s no reason why you can’t wear rings on your ring finger, even if you aren’t engaged or married! Whether there’s a diamond ring you’ve been eyeing for a while or you simply like wearing rings on your left-hand ring finger, there’s no rule preventing you from doing so.

That being said, people may make assumptions based on the long-standing ring finger tradition, and wearing a ring on that finger could lead others to assume you’re in a committed relationship. 

While ring finger traditions have long been held across the world, we like to remind couples that just because something is traditional doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. You can choose to wear your rings on whichever fingers feel right to you—whether __[you’ve just said “I do”](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/engagement-party-ideas)__ or not! If you have, Zola’s Expert Advice is here to help every step of the way, from __[custom invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)__ to building the perfect __[wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)__. Happy wedding planning!

Close up of man putting wedding ring on woman's finger

Which Finger Does a Wedding Ring Go On?

With so many moving parts, [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning) is a massive undertaking. Some tasks have to be completed before you even start to think about others. For example, you need to book a [wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) before you send out your invitations, hire vendors, or arrange your wedding day transportation. Other tasks, such as selecting your wedding party, can be done at any point during the process. 

Due to the careful balancing act that is wedding planning, many couples rely on a step-by-step [wedding planning checklist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/checklist) to make sure that everything gets done in the right order. 

So, where does making a wedding website fall within that list? 

Below, we’ll break down the following topics:

- <a href="#what">What Is a Wedding Website?</a>
- <a href="#when1">When to Create Wedding Website</a>
- <a href="#when2">When to Share Your Wedding Website</a>
- <a href="#benefit">The Benefits of Using a Wedding Website</a>
- <a href="#how">How to Make a Wedding Website</a>

## What Is a Wedding Website?<a id="what"> </a>

Before we jump into the [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) timeline, let’s review what this innovative tool is all about. A wedding website is a website that you create to communicate all of the important details about your big day with your guests. You can use your website to relay your wedding’s:

- Date, time, and location
- Event schedule
- Dress code
- Venue directions
- Transportation details
- Parking information
- Bar and food offerings
- Hotel block details
- Lodging suggestions
- Nearby activities and attractions
- Additional FAQs

Your wedding website serves as the centralized hub for all of your wedding day details. If your guests lose their physical invitations, no problem. They can refer to your website to find out everything they need to know. As a result, they’ll be less likely to bombard you with questions (which means more free time for you). 

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

### Your Wedding Website Isn’t Just for Your Guests
While your wedding website is a wonderful resource for your guests, it’s also an important tool for you and your fiance. 

You can use your wedding website to:

- Collect digital RSVP responses
- Tactfully guide guests to your wedding registry
- Efficiently answer all of your guests’ questions

At Zola, our wedding websites come with the following convenient integrations: 

- __RSVP tracking:__ Zola’s [Wedding Guest List Planner](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) allows you to digitally track all of your guests’ RSVP responses directly from your website, including their attendance, plus-ones, children, dietary requirements, meal choices, and transportation preferences.

As your guests submit their RSVP responses, they’ll automatically be stored in your Zola Guest List. In turn, you can refer back to your RSVP data whenever you need to. 

If you also allow your guests to submit physical RSVPs, you can add them to your Zola Guest List Planner manually. This way, all of your RSVP responses will be stored in one secure place.

- __Wedding registry:__ [Zola's wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) includes classic wedding gifts, exciting experiences, and honeymoon funds. Our registry software also enables you to send your guests automated thank you notes when they make a purchase. 

Want to return a gift? No problem. We offer free, confidential returns. You can exchange a gift before it's even shipped, saving you time and hassle. And don’t worry—your guests will never be notified. 

Best of all, you can shop from our wedding registry with 20 percent off for up to six months after your wedding day. If you or your guests have any registry questions, our exceptional customer service team can help. 

## When Should I Create a Wedding Website?<a id="when1"> </a>

Now that you know what a wedding website does, you may be wondering when you should make one for your special day. 

You can start creating your website as soon as you’re engaged. No one will see your site until you publish it, so feel free to play around with different [wedding website design ideas](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/16-wedding-website-design-ideas) and add in information as you acquire it. 

### Is It Ever Too Early to Make a Wedding Website?
As long as you’re engaged, it’s never too early to start working on your wedding website. Beginning this process is a fun way to funnel your engagement excitement productively.

However, you should hold off from sharing your wedding website with your guests until you reach a specific point in your wedding planning timeline. 

## When to Share Your Wedding Website<a id="when2"> </a>

Before you can share your wedding website, you need to make sure that it contains all of the necessary information. Generally, this is only possible after you’ve:

- Booked your wedding venue
- Determined your official wedding date
- Chosen a caterer
- Planned out your transportation to and from the venue
- Asked about your venue’s parking situation
- Booked a hotel room block (if you want one)
- Researched lodging and transportation options for your guests
- Compiled a list of fun activities to check out in your local area
- Decided on a dress code
- Set up your wedding registry

If you're on track with the rest of your wedding timeline, all of this should be completed around six to eight months before your wedding day. 

By having all of these details ironed out, you can ensure that your wedding website is truly a complete and comprehensive resource for your guests. 

### When Is It Too Late to Share Your Wedding Website?
While you shouldn’t share your wedding website prematurely, you also shouldn't wait too long to get it up and running. 

Why not? Well, your wedding website is a valuable resource. If you wait too long to share it, you’ll miss out on some of its benefits.

Speaking of which, let’s review a few of the many benefits of using a wedding website.

## The Benefits of Using a Wedding Website<a id="benefit"> </a> 

Wedding websites have revolutionized the wedding planning process. Here’s how.

### #1 Your Wedding Website Can Help You Stay Organized
Planning a wedding is a ton of work, with a lot of moving parts to organize and track. Fortunately, your wedding website can make it much easier. 

Wedding websites enhance organization by allowing you to:

- __Track your [Wedding RSVP website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-rsvp-website) responses digitally:__ Without a wedding website, you would have to wait around for every RSVP response to arrive by snail mail. Even if they all arrive on time, keeping tabs on so much paperwork can be a hassle.

- __Share your RSVP data and final headcount with vendors:__ Since [Zola’s Guest List Manager](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) allows you to export your RSVP data, you can share it with all of your vendors efficiently. 

- __List out logistical information in one place:__ Your wedding website gives you a one-stop-shop to log your wedding planning progress. From addresses to dates to directions, you can add information to your website as you figure it out. In turn, you won’t forget to share it with your guests. 

### #2 Your Wedding Website Gives You Space to Go into Detail
[Wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop), and [enclosure cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/enclosures/shop) are all fantastic tools for conveying wedding information to your guests. However, they have a limited amount of space. If you’re trying to cram every important tidbit of information in them, they may end up looking cluttered and disorganized. 

Fortunately, your wedding website doesn’t have this problem. Since your wedding website has an unlimited amount of space, you can go into as much detail as you want about every part of your wedding day. 

By sharing this detailed information with your guests promptly, you can also avoid a repetitive influx of calls from guests asking questions that could otherwise be answered on your website. 

### #3 Your Wedding Website Sets the Tone for Your Big Day
Many brides and grooms love wedding planning because it gives them a chance to unleash their creativity and tap into their design skills. As a result, guests are eager to see what the happy couple came up with. 

You can give your guests a sneak peek into the style of your wedding with your website. Is your big day going to be elegant or quirky? Rustic or whimsical? Your wedding website’s design will give them an idea. 

By choosing a website template that matches your wedding theme, you can set the tone for your big day. In turn, your guests can start imagining all of the other beautiful things you have in store for them. 

### #4 Your Wedding Website Is Easily Accessible
In the age of the internet, you can learn just about anything in a matter of clicks. By publishing your wedding day details online, your guests will enjoy this accessibility. Even if one of your guests lives across the world in a different time zone, they can get all of their questions about your special day answered on demand. 

Your guests will appreciate this accessibility when they: 

- Want to double-check your wedding date
- Submit their RSVP responses
- Book their hotel for your wedding weekend
- Browse your gift registry
- Refer to your dress code as they shop for the perfect outfit

You can think of your wedding website as a 24/7 customer support team for your special day. No matter what time it is or where your guests are in the world, they can visit your wedding website to find the information they’re looking for. Best of all, you won’t need to be the one providing this around-the-clock support. 

### #5 Your Wedding Website Makes It Easier to Tackle Touchy Topics
Do you feel awkward telling your guests where they can find your gift registry? What about announcing that you want a child-free wedding? Some wedding details are better expressed in writing, especially if they’re likely to lead to uncomfortable conversations. 

For example, maybe your cousin is eager to invite his brand new girlfriend as his plus-one, but you’d prefer to keep your wedding small and intimate. You can simply explain that you’re not allowing guests to invite plus-ones on your website. This way, your cousin won’t take it personally and you can stay true to your wedding vision. 

If you have any specific wedding day wishes like this, getting them up on your wedding website sooner than later will ensure that your guests understand the rules from the get-go. 

### #6 Your Wedding Website Makes It Easy to Update Your Guests
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans go awry. Maybe the weather forecast is predicting heavy rain during your outdoor nuptials. Or maybe your shuttle service company suddenly went out of business before your big day. 

No matter what obstacles arise, you can efficiently inform your guests about any big changes on your wedding website. All you have to do is:

- Update your website to reflect the new information
- Share your URL along with a message explaining the change

This process is a lot easier than updating each of your guests about the change one by one. 

### #7 Your Wedding Website Can Save You Money
Every decision you make about your wedding day comes with a price tag. Invitations alone could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on how many guests you’re inviting. 

If you need to send out a slew of enclosure cards or a large number of RSVP response cards, you may end up going over your allotted invitation budget.

Fortunately, your wedding website can streamline the cost of invitations by making enclosure cards and RSVP response cards necessary. Simply use your wedding website to inform your guests about the details of your big day and collect RSVPs digitally instead.

## How to Make a Wedding Website<a id="how"> </a>

Wedding websites have a ton of benefits. By sharing your wedding website at the right time (six to eight months before your big day), you can maximize these benefits and use your wedding website to its full potential.

So, how do you make a wedding website? You’ll be happy to learn that creating a wedding website is a lot easier than it sounds. 

Here are the steps.

### #1 Choose a Wedding Website Builder
If you’re not a web designer by trade, creating your website may sound complicated, if not impossible. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a coding-whiz to make a wedding website.

Instead of building your website from scratch, you can simply enlist the help of a wedding website builder, like the one offered at Zola.

At Zola, our [drag-and-drop website builder](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) is easy to use and can streamline the website creation process significantly. No matter what your web design background is, you should have no problem navigating this intuitive tool. 

### #2 Choose a Wedding Website Template
Wedding website builders allow you to choose a template that will dictate the general layout, design, and color scheme of your website. After choosing a wedding website template that you love, all you have to do is add in your content and photos. 

At Zola, we have hundreds of different wedding website templates that you can choose from. No matter what your wedding theme is, you can find a template that aligns perfectly with the aesthetics of your special day, whether they’re:

- Elegant and classy
- Floral and botanical
- Rustic and vintage
- Beachy or bohemian
- Modern or minimalistic

Best of all, each of our wedding website templates has a [Zola invitation suite](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/paper) of formal invitations, save the dates, and enclosure cards to match.

### #3 Choose a Domain Name
Your website’s domain name is the address that your guests will type in to visit your website. If you look up to your address bar right now, you’ll see that you’re currently on Zola.com, which is our domain name. 

You can choose a domain name for your wedding website that’s personalized, romantic, and unique. The best domain names are also short and easy to spell. Here are a few examples of wedding website domain names that you can use for inspiration:

- JillSaidYes.com
- JackLovesJill.com
- JackPlusJill.com
- MrAndMrsSmith.com
- TheSmiths2021.com

If you choose to use a free domain name, it will also contain the website builder’s branding. For example, “JillSaidYes.com” will read as “Zola.com/wedding/JillSaidYes” instead. If you’d prefer to remove the branded portion, you can purchase a custom domain name for as little as $10 to $15. 

### #4 Add All of Your Wedding Information
Once you’ve chosen a template and selected your domain name, you can start filling out your website with all of the content that you want to share with your guests. 

If you don’t have specific details about your venue’s parking or dress code yet, don’t worry. You can always go back and add in more details as you figure them out. 

You can also upload some photos of you and your fiance. Those gorgeous engagement photos you just took? Perfect. The pictures from your most recent trip together? Ideal. Just make sure that all of your photos suit the color scheme and aesthetic of your wedding template. 

### #5 Integrate Your Wedding Registry
Next, make it easy for your guests to find your gift registry by linking to it directly from your wedding website. 

At Zola, you can seamlessly integrate your [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry) with your wedding website template. You can also add gifts from other stores to your Zola registry so that your guests can conveniently peruse all of the options from one page. 

### #6 Set Up Your Online RSVPs
If you want to collect RSVPs digitally, make sure to include a form on your website where guests can fill out their responses. You can insert sections for their:

- Attendance
- Plus-ones
- Dietary restrictions
- Meal preferences
- Transportation requirement

At Zola, setting up this [online RSVP form for your wedding website](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/benefits-of-an-online-rsvp-for-your-wedding-website) is a breeze. 

### #7 Consider Protecting Your Privacy With a Password
Wedding crashers have been around for decades, but wedding website crashers are new on the scene. If you don’t want random strangers or uninvited acquaintances stumbling onto your website, you can set up a website password. 

At Zola, you can create a [custom password](https://help.zola.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002135571-How-do-I-make-my-website-password-protected-) in a few easy steps. Just make sure that you choose a password that’s easy to remember.

Once you implement password protection for your wedding website, your guests will be prompted to enter the password before they can unlock your website’s information. Thus, it’s important to share your password along with your wedding website URL. 

### #8 Review, Finalize, and Publish Your Website
Once you have all of your wedding information added to your website, read it over and check for any errors. Don’t forget to test your links to make sure that they’re working properly. 

Once you’ve confirmed that everything looks perfect, you can go ahead and publish your website. At this point, you can also share it with your guests and start experiencing the perks of having a wedding website firsthand.

#### *How to Share Your Wedding Website *
You can prompt your guests to check out your wedding website for the first time on your save the dates. 

After that, you can also share your wedding website URL:

- On your bachelor and bachelorette party invitations
- On your wedding shower invitations
- On your official wedding invitations
- In a message sent to your guests via text or email
- In a private Facebook group created exclusively for your wedding guests

By sharing your wedding website URL in multiple places, you can increase the chance that all of your guests find their way onto it successfully.

## Zola: Wedding Websites Made Easy
Making a wedding website is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. By choosing Zola as your wedding website partner, you’ll enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish

With our matching invitations, RSVP and registry integrations, and password protection, we offer everything you need to create a stunning and functional wedding website. Best of all, our wedding websites are beautifully designed, easy to share, and free.

Ready to start creating your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website#) today?


11 Wedding Website FAQs You Should Answer!

16 Wedding Website Design Ideas

Tablet with website examples and couple photo

Wedding‌ ‌Website‌ ‌Inspiration‌ ‌to‌ ‌Get‌ ‌You‌ ‌Started‌ 

Pros and Cons of Digital Wedding Invitations

Wedding Website URL Ideas

Model couple on motorcycle becide Kitchen Aid

When to Make a Wedding Registry and Share It

What to Expect After Sending Save the Dates

What to Do After Sending Save the Dates—Guest Questions, Travel Plans, and More 

couple poses by graphic wall after wedding

7 Big Wedding Planning Tasks You Can Do From Home

Website + Invites

Invites + Paper

When you ask someone to be in your wedding party, you’re asking them to do more than just show up on your big day to witness your “I do’s.” [Being a groomsman](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-your-groomsmen) is a pretty big commitment, and it requires some wedding duties—and when someone in your life follows through on that commitment, as the groom, you want to make sure to say thank you.

A great way to do just that is with the perfect groomsmen gift.

Giving your groomsmen a thoughtful gift as a token of your appreciation is a great way to say thank you for participating in your wedding day. But, the question is—how much of your wedding budget should you set aside for your groomsmen gifts?

## Do You Really Need to Buy Groomsmen Gifts?
In short, no, it isn’t required that you purchase a gift for each of your groomsmen. That being said, doing so can go a long way when it comes to expressing your appreciation. Being a groomsmen can include a slew of tasks and money spent, after all. Think attending a bachelor party, buying a suit for the wedding day, and being there for you throughout the process.

So, while a gift isn’t entirely necessary, it can mean a lot and be a wonderful gesture. There’s no need to worry if your budget is tight, either, since groomsmen gifts come at a wide variety of price points, from absolutely free to luxurious. In the end, it isn’t the quantity of gifts that matters, but the quality of your thoughtfulness.

## What Factors Should Play into Your Gift Budget?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to how much to spend on groomsmen gifts budgeting for groomsmen gifts. So, before we jump into how much you should spend on a groomsmen gift, let’s quickly cover the different factors that should play into your gift budget.

When determining how much to spend on your groomsmen gifts, there are a few different factors that you should consider, including:

- __How much are your groomsmen spending to be at your wedding?__ If you’re asking your groomsmen to drop hundreds of dollars on wedding attire, your [bachelor party](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-bachelor-parties), and other wedding-related tasks, you should plan to spend a decent amount of money on their gift (generally between 10 to 15 percent of what you’re asking them to spend). On the other hand, if you’re not asking your groomsmen to spend much—or any—money to participate in your big day (for example, if they’re wearing their suits and don’t have to do any travel for wedding events), then it would be appropriate to budget a bit less for their groomsmen gift.

- __How involved are you asking your groomsmen to be in the wedding planning process?__ Some groomsmen are completely involved in the wedding planning process, and they help the groom with everything from choosing a venue, planning the bachelor party, and figuring out they're [wedding style](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-your-wedding-style). If your groomsmen are investing a ton of time and effort into helping you bring your wedding vision to life, their gift should reflect that time and effort—and may require a higher budget.

- __What is your partner budgeting for wedding party gifts?__ If your partner is spending $200 on his or her wedding party gifts, you might not want to spend $20. Before you set your budget for groomsmen gifts, talk to your partner to get on the same page (and at least on a similar budget).

- __Who are the groomsmen and how many will be there?__ Often, how much you can spend on each groomsman is highly affected by [how many groomsmen](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-many-groomsmen-is-normal) there will be in total. For example, if you’re only asking one to three individuals, you may feel more inclined to gift each of them something that’s a bit more expensive than if you have, say, ten groomsmen to account for.

- __How far did they travel to be present?__ This directly relates back to bullet one and how much your groomsmen are spending in order to participate in your wedding. Those traveling—be it from the next state over or another country entirely—are dropping a considerable amount of money more than those near your wedding location. Take this into account when deciding how much you want to spend to express your appreciation.

## How Much Should You Set Aside for Groomsmen Gifts?
All that being said, how much should you plan to spend on your groomsmen gifts? Typically, grooms spend somewhere between $30 and $100 on each groomsmen gift. So, if you have five groomsmen in your wedding party, you should plan to spend anywhere from $150 to $500 on groomsmen gifts.

![How Much Should You Spend on a Groomsmen Gift? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6voOXy4LbRP4IzstdED5m8/5fe4a6bb38fbf0ba1e522837bc7e844b/inline_unsplash_1_.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

## When to Potentially Spend Less on Groomsmen Gifts…
When to Potentially Spend Less...
The best groomsmen gift ideas aren’t always expensive. While you generally want to spend at least $30 or so on your groomsmen gift, you certainly don’t have to. If you’re having a budget-conscious wedding and don’t have a ton leftover in your budget for gifts, giving your groomsmen a personal—but less expensive—gift is appropriate.

*See below a few of our favorite inexpensive groomsmen gift ideas.*

#### 1. Framed Photograph
At the end of the day, your groomsmen are those you want at your side as you take this next step in your relationship. What better way to remind these people that you love them than by giving them a meaningful keepsake? Find a photo with each person that you plan on asking and place it in a nice frame. Pair with a handwritten note and you’ve got the ideal inexpensive groomsmen gift.

#### 2. Six-pack of Their Favorite Drink
Not only is this gift easily accessible, it’s personal and sure not to go to waste. Giving a friend or family member a pack of their favorite drink (which can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic) tells them that you remember the small details and want to gift them something they like. It’s personal, especially when paired with a nice note. From craft beer, to cider, to cream soda, no one will be disappointed with this surprise.

#### 3. Beer Mug
Along that train of thought, consider going for a set of beer mugs. These don’t have to be very expensive, but will still come off as nice and thoughtful. A beer glass can also be a promise of future good times spent together, where you can your friend or family member can use yours as you sit across the table together.

#### 4. Shot Glasses
Speaking of good times, if your potential groomsmen group loves to rally, opt instead for shot glasses. Generic or [personalized](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/personalized-groomsmen-gifts-ideas-for-your-party), these shouldn’t break the bank. In fact, you can often purchase these in a gift set and then split them up amongst your groomsmen. Wrap each with a small bow and you’re good to go.

#### 5. Custom Tie Clip
For something a touch more upscale, consider a custom tie clip. Again, these don’t need to be super flashy. Go for a material that’s nice and sturdy, but doesn’t cost and arm and a leg. Personalize each with each person’s name or monogram and gift in a small box or gift bag. Pro tip: Have your groomsmen wear their tie clips on the day of your wedding for a cohesive, heartfelt addition to their outfit.

#### 6. Custom Money Clip
Also elegant and classy, a custom money clip can be surprisingly affordable. If those closest to you are prone to misplacing cash or simply love the look of a clip, this is a great item to gift them. They’re compact, stylish, and everyone is sure to get a lot of use out of theirs.

#### 7. Bottle Opener
Maybe you’ve done the beer mug or shot glass thing before—or, you can on doing so for your bachelor party. No reason to worry. Instead, keep on-theme by including a bottle opener in your groomsmen proposal. There are countless creative options across the internet, meaning you’re sure to find at least one that perfectly aligns with your wedding and groomsmen.

### … And When to Potentially Spend More
On the flip side, if you’re having a larger, lavish, or more expensive affair, you may want to budget more for your groomsmen gift. For example, if you’re having a destination [beach wedding](https://zola.app.link/oomK8YKFq9) for 300 people—and your groomsmen have to take off a week from work and drop a solid chunk of change on the airfare and hotel—you want to give them a gift that correlates with their investment of both time and money. That may mean budgeting more than the average groom for your wedding party gifts. In this case, you might want to look into [personalized and unique groomsmen gifts](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/personalized-groomsmen-gifts-ideas-for-your-party), which tend to have a higher price tag.

*See below a few of our favorite luxury groomsmen gift ideas.*

#### 8. Dopp Kit
A proper toiletry bag is a must-have for absolutely everyone. If your closest friends and family appreciate a clean shave, good skincare routine, or just keeping their bathroom essentials in order, they’re likely to love this groomsmen gift.

#### 9. Leather Travel Bag
When it comes to destination weddings (or bachelor parties, in this case), we love a travel-themed wedding gift. Not only does it provide the opportunity for you to gift something practical, but it offers the chance for everyone to use said gift. A nice leather travel bag stylish and long lasting, meaning your groomsmen can cherish theirs for years to come. Consider carry-ons, duffle bags, and similar.

#### 10. Custom Whiskey Glass
Whiskey lovers, rejoice! A high-quality, custom whiskey glass is the ideal gift for a group of loved ones that enjoys having a drink together. Plus, you have options to choose from, from your classic rocks glasses, to cordial whiskey glasses, to snifters.

#### 11. Set of Golf Balls
If you and your friends or family enjoy a day out on the green, gift everyone a high-quality set of golf balls. Nice golf equipment tends to be on the more expensive side and your loved ones will appreciate a gift that’s good quality and can contribute to a good time.

#### 12. Engraved Cufflinks
Hint at the high-end wedding celebrations to come by giving your groomsmen engraved cufflinks. Cufflinks are classic and can pull a nice outfit together—including a tuxedo. What’s more, you can have all of your groomsmen wear them at your wedding so that they coordinate in a small, meaningful way. At the end of the day, this personalized groomsmen gift is sure to impress.

### Spend a Percentage of Your Groomsmen Expenditure
When figuring out your wedding budget, you want to take things a step further and categorize. That is to say, don’t just find out what you’d like your bottom line to be, but figure out how much you’re willing to spend on each aspect on your wedding (venue, vendors, attire, etc.). This, of course, includes your groomsmen. With a bach party and groomsmen gifts to consider, it’s ideal that you know how much you’re willing to spend overall before making any other decisions. That way, when it comes to deciding on a gift budget, you can simply take a percentage of that overall number.

### Keep Your Total Wedding Budget in Mind
As a guideline for all things wedding, you want to keep your total wedding budget top-of-mind. It can be easy to get swept up in exciting ideas and cool gifts, but none of it will be worth it if you go into major debt at the end of it all. Be aware of the funds you’re willing to spend on groomsmen gifts and stick to that number. In the end, you’ll be glad you did.

## 5 FAQs on Groomsmen Gift Etiquette
With the perfect gift idea now in mind (or, maybe already in your check-out cart), it’s time to tackle other gift-giving details. We’ve answered the top five need-to-knows below. Review them before getting ahead of gift-giving.

When should you buy the gifts? Whenever you’d like. Just be sure that you know exactly how many people you’ll be asking to be your groomsmen. It isn’t ideal to have too few or too many gifts after already purchasing them

- __Where can you buy them?__ Anywhere! Amazon, Etsy, Nordstrom, and a slew of other stores are all possibilities. Your groomsmen gift is personal to you and your loved ones, meaning it can come from just about anywhere.

- __Who should pay for them?__ Most often, because the gift is coming from the groom, groomsmen gifts are covered by the couple.

- __When should you give them?__ Gifts should be given at the time of your groomsmen proposal, which should take place 9-10 months before your wedding. This gives everyone enough time to plan travel and time off of work.

- __Are these gifts different from the one reserved to the best man?__ In most cases, yes. Typically, the best man will receive a gift that’s a little nicer than what everyone else gets. That, or they’ll be given something a little extra when it comes time for the wedding. That said, this doesn’t have to be the case.

## The Bottom Line
As mentioned, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “how much should you spend on a groomsmen gift?”, as there are so many factors that come into play—from how much your groomsmen are spending on your special day, to how much budget you have to work with, and, especially, what kind of gift you think your groomsmen would want, like, and use. Ultimately, your groomsmen aren’t going to care about the price tag on their gift, but rather, they’re going to care about the thought and meaning behind a great groomsmen gift.

So, the best thing you can do—whatever your budget—is to choose a [wedding party gift](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/groomsmen-gift-ideas-your-guys-will-actually-want) that shows your groomsmen how much you care about them and how much you appreciate them being a part of your wedding big day. Because that kind of gift is priceless.

Groomsmen Gift Ideas Your Guys Will Actually Want

How to Choose a Tie for Groomsmen: A Step-by-Step Guide

10 Ideas to Ask Someone to be Your Groomsmen

Groomsmen Etiquette 101: A Beginner's Guide

Groom's Crew

How Much Should I Spend on a Groomsmen Gift?

While a tie or bow tie may seem like an inconsequential choice, the right neckwear really can make or break a look. Read on to find out if you should wear a bow tie or tie on your wedding day. 

## What Are You Wearing?<a id="bow"> </a>  

If you’re wearing a [tuxedo](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/thegroomsmansuit_classic_black_tuxedo_jacket), a bow tie is the way to go. A [bow tie](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/thegroomsmansuit_classic_tuxedo_shirt) and tux is considered one of the most formal wedding outfits for grooms, and is the proper dress code for a black-tie event. That’s not to say a necktie can’t be worn with a tuxedo, though. If your wedding is semi-formal and you’re wearing a tux, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a traditional tie instead. It really all comes down to the formality—and [venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/venues)—of your big day.

Suits, on the other hand, allow for more flexibility. Traditionally suits are worn with ties, but many grooms these days opt for bow ties. A bow tie with a suit jacket (or even just a dress shirt!) can a suit up or down. For example, a laid-back groom getting hitched at a [rustic venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-look-for-in-a-rustic-wedding-venue) may opt for a paisley bow tie with a [light gray suit](https://www.zola.com/shop/product/thegroomsmansuit_textured_gray_suit_jacket). A groom saying “I do” at a formal venue may wear a three-piece navy suit with a maroon bow tie. Both outfits feature bow ties, but are very different looks. 

A tie can also dramatically affect the aesthetic of a groom’s outfit. Patterned ties can make a suit more formal or casual, depending on the print, just as lighter colors are best for [spring](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-venues-perfect-for-a-springtime-wedding)/summer weddings and darker colors suit [fall](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-venues-perfect-for-fall)/winter events. If your wedding venue and style are more laid-back, you can even take off your necktie after the ceremony. 

## What Are Members of the Wedding Party Wearing?<a id="match"> </a>

Regardless of whether you choose to wear a tie or a bow tie, your groomsmen should coordinate with one another. Even if you aren’t sporting matching tuxedos or suits, you should be on the same page about neckwear. It can look very odd having a couple of members of the wedding party wearing a casual floral skinny tie, while others don a satin black bow tie. The exception to this rule? It’s okay for the groom to wear a bow tie while groomsmen wear ties. The groom is expected to stand out. 

![Should the Groom Wear a Tie](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/45Ptx453nC3t4mG8wquXTz/b662d81ec74c03ee6ac4a2e85fdd25ff/inline_unsplash_1_.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

## Different Types of Bow Ties and Ties<a id="show"> </a> 

There are plenty of different styles and designs of both bow ties and neckties. Color, texture, and patterns all set neckwear apart and allow for personalization. Here are some of the most popular options:

### Bow Ties

#### Self-tie
As the name suggests, a self-tie bow tie is one that requires you to actually tie it yourself. If you’ve never tied a bow tie before, practice before your wedding day, so you nail the look. It can be challenging at first.  

#### Pre-tied
Pre-tied bow ties come with the knot sewn in place. This means you don’t have to worry about tying the bow tie yourself, but you do have to secure it around your shirt collar. Pre-tied bow ties are attached to an adjustable band. 

#### Clip-on
The easiest option out of all bow ties, a clip-on bow tie is ready to wear right away. It clips directly onto the collar of your shirt. While convenient, clip-on bow ties are often easy to spot, making them the most appropriate for children and not the most desirable option for grooms. 

### Ties
Ties come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and styles. Solid colors are classic choices for grooms, as they easily complement suits and dress shirts. There are many ways to tie a tie, but here are some of the popular styles. 

#### Windsor
A Windsor knot, also called the “Full Windsor,” is a popular way to tie a tie and creates a fuller, sophisticated look. It’s one of the most common and classic knots, because it’s worn in both formal and semi-formal environments. It’s a timeless symmetrical style that looks fantastic with dress shirts and suit jackets. 

#### Half-Windsor
A Half-Windsor knot is slightly smaller than the Windsor knot and is medium in size. Like the Windsor, this knot is very popular for its versatility. For grooms who want a formal or semi-formal look, consider a Half-Windsor knot—especially if your tie is made of a thicker fabric. 

#### Four-in-Hand
This knot is suitable for many occasions, except the most formal. A four-in-hand knot is one of the easiest ways to tie a tie, which is why it’s so popular. It’s a slightly asymmetrical knot, and it’s best for casual button-down dress shirts. This knot is ideal if your tie is a heavier fabric. 

![Should the Groom Wear a Tie](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5gKc3G4PJkZWD3zrUYQfPx/e6a5e2ca0d5a53d09f55319a987e4a49/inline_unsplash.jpg) *Photo Credit* // Unsplash

## Bow Ties and Ties Can Show Off Personality 

Like any wedding accessory for grooms, bow ties and ties are a chance to add a hint of flair to your outfit. Some grooms like to wear a solid color suit with a polka dot bow tie, while others will match their tie to their wedding’s [floral arrangements](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/decor-inspiration/flowers). It’s also fun to match your accessories with your [wedding colors](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/decor-inspiration/wedding-colors). Another way to get creative is by matching your bow tie or tie to your socks or shoes, which can really help ground an outfit. 

## Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the decision to wear a bow tie or tie as a groom at your wedding is up to you. Consider your [wedding style](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/decor-inspiration/wedding-style), your wedding venue, and what type of neckwear best matches your suit. It may seem like a small accessory, but it can really make or break a look. 

20 Classic Wedding Theme Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration

How Old Should a Ring Bearer Be?

 Should I Take Wedding Dance Lessons?

20 Wedding Party Photo Ideas Everyone Will Love

The Groomsmen Duties: A Full Breakdown

A Complete Guide to Wedding Attire for Grooms

Choosing the Best Wedding Bands for Men

A Complete Guide to Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedos + Ideas

Shoes & Jewelry

Should the Groom Wear a Tie or Bow Tie for Their Wedding?

Fashion + Beauty

You may have budgeted a set amount of money for your dream wedding dress, but, keep in mind, it won’t be a perfect fit off the rack (or out of the box). Your wedding dress will likely need to undergo several rounds of alterations in order to fit you like a glove. So, when wedding dress shopping, don't forget to factor in the [cost of wedding dress alterations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding-dress) before saying "yes" to the perfect dress.

How much do wedding alterations cost, exactly? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

### What Is the Average Cost of Wedding Dress Alterations?  

On average, typical wedding dress alterations cost between $150 and $600. If you're customizing your gown or modernizing your mother's dress, it may be up to $1,000. Some bridal boutiques may charge you a flat fee, while other seamstresses may charge you for individual alteration services.

The amount of money that you’ll pay to alter your wedding dress depends on how much work you’ll need done. Some wedding dresses are simple to alter, for example, some dresses just need to be hemmed for length and adjusted on the sides to properly fit.

But, of course, the more complicated or custom the gown, the more expensive it's going to be. You may want to adjust the neckline, add a strap, or add additional beading and/or other embellishments. These customizations may require an additional cost. Your seamstress will likely also need to add in the bustle, which keeps the train off the ground post-ceremony.

Related: [How to Bustle a Wedding Dress](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-bustle-a-wedding-dress)

If you’re having a gown custom made, or you’re modernizing your mother’s (or another relative’s) wedding dress for you, expect to go to multiple rounds of fittings and consultations. These customizations will be the most time consuming and expensive to pull off.

### Potential Wedding Dress Alteration Costs
The list below is an idea of how much typical alterations cost, but, of course, prices can vary greatly depending on where you live and how much your seamstress or bridal boutique charges. If you ordered your bridal dress online, or are finding your own tailor, you can always shop around to compare prices before deciding where to take your beautiful dress. Below, find examples of potential alteration costs to factor into your budget:

- Take in/out the sides of dress: $35-$50
- Take in/out sides of skirt or bodice: $20-$30
- Hem dress: $40-$100
- Add bra cups: $20-$30
- Reshape neckline: $40-$60
- Narrow or reduce shoulders: $45-$50
- Shorten straps: $20-$40
- Add belt or sash: $25-$35
- Beading work: ~$30 an hour
- Bustle: $20-$60, depending how many points you want done
- Steaming: ~$50

The work on your dress may be more expensive depending on how delicate the gown is, too. For example, with more lace or detail there may be an additional charge for the bridal alterations.

### Get It in Writing
Purchasing the perfect wedding dress is obviously a big investment, and you want to make sure that it’s in good hands when you give it over for bridal alterations (don’t worry too much, you’ll see it again soon.) At your first fitting with the seamstress, make sure that you go over exactly what work needs to be done, from getting the sleeves shortened to having a missing bead repaired. Ask for a detailed receipt or get everything listed in writing, so that there’s a record of what work is agreed upon, in case anything goes amiss with your bridal gown. At the same time, go over the price of each alteration service and make sure that everything is in writing before you leave the dress.

### Who Should Complete Wedding Dress Alterations?

![How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/22REMcs2OkK2EAW1fUWNC8/581a5bc4b4e11bffe0ec772d66e24476/Inline_Sascha_Reinking_Photography.png)
*Photo Credit //* Sascha Reinking Photography

If you’re not sure who should take care of your wedding gown alterations, you might need to do a bit of research. If you got your dress in a specialty or bridal boutique, they might have a seamstress on-site who will take care of all the alterations. They also will give you a specific timeline of alterations, so you don’t have to worry about that. However, if you bought your dress online, you’re going to need to find a seamstress in your area. Don’t just take your dress to any dry cleaner or tailor, but, rather, look for someone who specializes in wedding gown alterations so that you can have a perfect dress on your wedding date.

### How Long Do Wedding Dress Alterations Take?
Before walking down the aisle, make sure that you give plenty of time for [wedding dress alterations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-long-do-wedding-dress-alterations-take). Getting the timing right for alterations is key. You don’t want to do them too early, as your dress might fit differently by the time the wedding day rolls around. Don’t wait too long, though, as your wedding dress isn’t something you want to rush. You’ll want to give yourself at least a week’s buffer in case something needs to be altered last minute. Leaving two or three months before your wedding for alterations is generally plenty of time.

While you may not want to spend extra money for an alterations specialist, it really is essential when personalizing your dream dress. As long as you have plenty of time for your dress fitting and alterations, you'll be able to walk down the aisle in confidence with your perfect wedding dress.

![How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost? | Zola](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6HEEy3rsaaB4MWJvRjXUYa/ddfb6286691aa3f7bf12dae1a1f73d08/Inline_Zola__12_.png) *Photo Credit* Zola

How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost

Budgeting

How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost?

So, you’ve gone over your budget. You broke the cardinal rule of creating a wedding budget and sticking to the recommended spend for each line item. What do you do next? Well, first take solace that you’re far from alone.

In fact, you’re actually in the majority. According to [Zola’s First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2022) surveying over 3,300 couples on their 2022 weddings, over 2/3 of couples (69%) are spending more than they originally planned for their wedding budgets. Why you ask? The two main reasons are:

1. They discovered wedding costs are more expensive than they anticipated
2. They’re willing to spend more to get exactly what they want

No matter which boat you’re in, know there’s always a way to get back on track with wedding spending. Here’s advice from wedding experts about what you can do when you’ve gone over your budget.

### Set a Budget With Clear Priorities—and Stick to Them<a id="prio"> </a>  
The best way to go over budget is to not have a budget,” says Alison Semmler, owner of [Lifestyle Maven Events](https://www.lifestylemavenevents.com/) in NYC. “Many couples will start the [wedding planning](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning) process and see what things cost and say, ‘It costs what it costs.’ But very quickly they hit a number where they realize that it's no longer affordable to them. So it's really important that a couple sets a budget at the start and tries to stick with that as much as possible.” 

“I tell my clients from the beginning, ‘You're going to hear me talk a lot about nice to have versus the need to have,’” says Genevieve Roja, founder of Northern California’s [Lily Spruce](https://www.lilyspruce.com/). “I feel it's our job as planners to help our clients protect their large financial—and emotional—investment with practicality and—gasp—frugality. As a company, we very much operate under the values of not needing to spend every last dime.”

Ask yourself: What are your goals and objectives? What are the things important to each of you? “So when the going gets tough, we can come back to these goals and let them be our decision-making North Star,” Roja says. “You said before that your bridal accessories weren't important to you—but now you're splurging on high-end, luxury shoes that are impractical for your venue? As their wedding planner, we can direct them toward creative solutions: You wanted amazing food, so can you consider buying your booze from Costco and using the extra toward a more filled-out menu? Can you forego a videographer to fund your welcome dinner drinks?”

### Be Transparent With Your Wedding Planning Team—And Yourself
Set a ceiling or cap on your expenditures or plan to have a rainy day backup, because most couples do overspend—despite best efforts. And be honest with the other stakeholders contributing financially to the wedding. “Most parents aren't aware of modern wedding day costs, so take time to educate them, or lean on your planning team to provide realistic wedding budget numbers in case you have to tap them as a financial resource,” says Roja.

### Start With the Big Ticket Items
Semmler recommends that couples start with the must-have items. “I always tell my couples that no one cares if you have a ton of wedding flowers and your wedding is beautiful if they're hungry or bored. While I love a beautiful wedding, it's really important to focus on things like food and entertainment and then move backward.”

### Cut Down Your Guest List <a id="save"> </a>  
The biggest way to cut down on costs is to limit your guest list, says Amy Shack Egan, founder of Brooklyn’s [Modern Rebel](https://www.modernrebelco.com/). “Your catering is typically priced per person, so the fewer people, the fewer mouths to feed—hence, a cheaper bill. It also means you won't need as big of a space, and when planning weddings in a place like NYC, space is at such a premium that larger [wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues) can be very expensive."  

### Pare Down the Music Entertainment
One of the biggest wedding cost savings is to transition from hosting a band to a deejay, says Jo Reitz of New Jersey’s [Square Mile Events](http://www.squaremilevents.com/). “Aside from the higher flat fee to contract a band over a deejay, you also should consider that with a deejay you will only need to provide one or two wedding vendor meals, whereas with a band you will be paying for eight to 20 vendor meals, depending on the number of band members and music technicians.”

### Hold Off on Decor Until You’ve Set Your Big Ticket Items
“I find that leaving decor to the end is helpful for a lot of clients because they're seeing how much they spend on their wedding venue, the food and beverage, and other large ticket items, and then we're able to see how much money we can allocate for the overall design,” Semmler says. “Of course, we always have tentative amounts in mind when we're talking about design. But it's really helpful for people to have those items established and then tweak their design if needed.” That’s not to say having a beautiful wedding isn’t super important, she adds. “But there's a lot of ways to have a really beautiful big day without spending $25,000 on flowers.”

### Play Around With Flowers and Décor
Speak with your florist and brainstorm on ways you may be able to repurpose some of your floral elements from one part of your wedding to another. “For instance, if you are creating two urns to flank the ceremony space, you can have them moved to the reception area to provide additional décor without spending more money,” says Reitz. “Also ask your florist if you can swap out any blooms for less expensive flowers that are in season or don’t need to be imported from another country.”

### Adjust Your Food and Beverage Selections
Most venues have a food and beverage minimum that must be met. If you have exceeded that number and are looking to bring your budget down, Reitz notes, you can ask for more cost-effective menu selections or drop down the number of cocktail hour bites. You can also include only wine and beer for your open bar or buy your booze from Costco. Remember that custom cocktails mean more booze and more staff. 

Loni Hsieh, who hosted a 400-person wedding in the Bay Area, found savings on her dessert table. “We bought a fancy wedding cake for the pictures, but had Costco sheet cake for everyone else,” she said. 

If your guest count had to be cut significantly due to COVID-19 restrictions, there may be some negotiation power where you can ask your venue to apply your food credit towards a room rental fee or ask about an opportunity to upgrade linens, Reitz adds.

### Share Rental Costs With Other Couples
If your venue is hosting two weddings in one weekend, you can ask to be put in contact with the other couple to see if you can share costs for rental items like a tent, string lighting, or a ceremony structure. “There’s no guarantee that the other couple will oblige, but it’s worth the ask if you’re looking to save some money on rental items,” says Reitz.

### Forego Welcome Bags and Wedding Favors and Limit Ancillary Events
As fun as those can be, they’re not necessary for your guests to enjoy themselves. If you’ve maxed out your overall budget on core [wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) like a photographer, florist, and entertainment, you can find some savings by removing the fun add-ons. You can also cut costs by foregoing a rehearsal dinner and/or post-wedding brunch or changing the format to be more casual. “Think light passed hors d’oeuvres instead of a full meal,” Reitz says.

### Consider Secondhand Wedding Décor and Fashion—or Sell Yours After the Event
If you feel like you can’t make any concessions with the vendors you’ve already contracted, think about buying used wedding decor and/or fashion or selling your items after the wedding. Sites like Tradesy and The RealReal are great resources to both find and sell gently used wedding items.

### Pick an Off-Season Date or an Off-Peak Day <a id="also"> </a>  
If you’re starting to plan your dream wedding for a second or even third time due to COVID-19 restrictions, you may find some negotiating power if you agree to host a wedding during the off-season or on a non-peak day like a Thursday or Sunday.

### Don't Beat Yourself Up—It Happens! Keep Things in Perspective
Finally, it's okay if you overspend. “The trick is finding all the creative workarounds that keep you under budget and a goal,” says Roja.

Hsieh says couples should plan for the marriage and not just the wedding day. “Don’t go into debt to have a party. Don’t plan a wedding based on other people’s opinions. You can never make everyone happy and other people probably won’t remember any of the details of your wedding anyway. Imagine celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary. Ask yourself, What do you think you’ll remember 10, 20, or 50 years from now? Plan according to your answer.” 