In Lebanese culture, the financial responsibility for a wedding is traditionally shouldered by the groom and his family. The cost of a wedding in Lebanon can be quite significant, and it is expected that the groom’s family will bear the majority of the expenses associated with the celebration.
The groom’s family typically takes on the responsibility of paying for the venue, which can range from a luxurious hotel ballroom to a picturesque outdoor setting. The cost of the venue often includes the rental fee, catering services, and decorations. Additionally, the groom’s family is typically expected to cover the expenses for the wedding invitations, photography and videography services, entertainment, and transportation arrangements.
Furthermore, the groom’s family is also expected to cover the costs associated with the bride’s wedding dress and any accompanying accessories. This can include the bridal gown, veil, shoes, and jewelry. Additionally, they may also contribute towards the bride’s hair and makeup services.
The groom’s family is also responsible for providing the dowry or “mahr” to the bride. This is a symbolic amount of money or valuable possessions that the groom presents to the bride as a gesture of commitment and financial support.
On the other hand, the bride and her family are responsible for the engagement expenses. This includes the engagement ring, which is typically purchased by the bride’s family and presented to the groom during the engagement ceremony. Other engagement-related costs may include the venue for the engagement party, catering, and any additional decorations or entertainment.
It is worth noting that these traditional customs may vary depending on the specific families and their financial situations. In some cases, both the bride and groom’s families may contribute towards the wedding expenses, especially if they have agreed to share the costs. Additionally, modern trends and changing societal norms have also led to more flexibility in terms of who pays for what in Lebanese weddings.
In my personal experience attending Lebanese weddings, I have witnessed the groom’s family taking on the majority of the financial responsibilities. The lavishness and grandeur of these weddings are often a reflection of the groom’s family’s status and willingness to spend on such celebrations. However, it is important to note that every wedding is unique, and the financial arrangements may vary depending on the preferences and agreements between the families involved.
To summarize, in Lebanese culture, it is traditionally expected that the groom and his family will bear the financial responsibility for the wedding expenses. This includes the costs associated with the venue, invitations, photography and videography services, entertainment, transportation, bride’s wedding dress, and the dowry. However, modern trends and changing norms have introduced more flexibility, and it is not uncommon for both families to contribute towards the expenses or come to a mutual agreement.