I Want to Hear Everyone's Opinions! How Much Should You Cover for "Travel Expenses"?

2018.12.30 published

殿堂記事

For Bride-to-Be: Confused About "Travel Expense"? I Want to Hear Opinions from Experienced Brides!

When preparing for a wedding, one often gets confused about "travel expenses." Who gives it to whom? How much should be given? Should you book a hotel? There are so many questions, right?

@haru___1109

The "travel expense" can vary based on region, generation, and relationships, but here we will introduce general etiquette regarding travel expenses.

☑ What is travel expense?

☑ Who should you give travel expenses to?

☑ What is the going rate for travel expenses?

☑ How to give travel expenses?

☑ About bearing accommodation expenses.

【Lesson 1: What is travel expense?】

Travel expenses are a form of "thank you" to guests who come to your wedding. Generally, they are given to guests coming from far away.

Although it's called "travel expense," it also applies to guests arriving by train, shinkansen, or airplane.

【Lesson 2: Who do you give travel expenses to?】

You give travel expenses to guests who come from afar. Many people consider giving to those whose transportation costs are over 5,000 yen.

Since many guests give at least 30,000 yen as a congratulatory gift, an additional 5,000 yen in transportation costs can become a significant burden, which is why many set 5,000 yen as a guideline.

Additionally, it's common to give travel expenses to those who make toasts or deliver speeches. Most of these individuals are typically the bride and groom's superiors or mentors, so it's important to express gratitude when giving them travel expenses.◎

【Lesson 3: How much should you give for travel expenses?】

The going rate for travel expenses is generally "half to the full cost of transportation." For example, the one-way fare from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka on the shinkansen is 13,620 yen, making the round trip 27,240 yen.

In this case, many brides might give a rounded amount of 15,000 yen, 20,000 yen, or the full amount of 30,000 yen.

The amount can also change depending on the relationship. For example, if the person you're giving the travel expense to from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka is a superior, it's presumed they will give a larger amount for the congratulatory gift (around 50,000 or 70,000 yen), leading some brides to give the full travel amount.

If the recipient is a close friend, they might agree beforehand to skip the formalities and decline the travel expense, as one bride recounted a wonderful friend who did just that.

For relatives, the amount can vary greatly by region and family, so it’s best to discuss it with your parents.

How much should you give to those who toast or give speeches?

It's common to give about 10,000 yen for toasts or speeches, even for nearby attendees. For distant guests, many brides tend to cover the full amount.

【Lesson 4: When and how should you give travel expenses?】

Next, let's talk about how to give travel expenses. When giving to superiors or mentors, it's advisable for either the bride's or groom's parents to hand them out after greeting these guests post-registration.

For friends, it’s common for parents to give it to them or for it to be distributed at the reception. In any case, be sure to communicate in advance to avoid forgetting to give it.

For relatives, discuss with your parents whether to give it on the day-of or arrange it beforehand.

【Lesson 5: What about if guests are staying overnight?】

If guests need accommodation, that can be a dilemma. As the bride and groom, you might want to cover the full cost, but it could become a significant expense and might make guests feel uncomfortable if you cover everything.

Many brides settle on either offering transportation costs only or accommodation costs only after discussing it with distant guests ahead of time.

Since distant guests might also be unsure about the arrangements, it's good to inform them as soon as possible once you receive their RSVP via the invitation!

@_ht620

【Senior Bride's Regret: Shocked by Travel Expenses!】

One bride hadn't thought about travel expenses and realized last minute that they amounted to 300,000 yen! Although she suspected many guests would come from afar, she was shocked by this sudden expense.

It's important to calculate and prepare travel expenses thoroughly from the stage of sending out invitations.＊

【Senior Bride's Success Story: Taxi Tickets Make a Good Impression◎】

Considering her guests, one bride booked a second-party venue close to the wedding site. Though it was a 10-minute walk, she gave taxi tickets to a friend who was managing the second party, arranging for them to get a taxi at the conclusion of the reception.

Since the second party planner had many items to carry and was busy with reception duties, walking for 10 minutes in a dress and heels can be tough. This was a thoughtful consideration from the bride◎. Taxi tickets are often easier to give than cash, making them a recommended option.

Give Travel Expenses Smoothly and Become a Well-Liked Bride♡

The topic of travel expenses can be confusing regarding who to give it to and how much. However, with solid knowledge, understanding the rates, and being considerate of your guests, you'll be just fine.

Aim to give your travel expenses smartly and become a bride adored by her guests!♩

➡ You can purchase cute travel expense envelopes on Rakuten!♡

➡ How much are the typical travel expenses for 【Tokyo - Osaka】? Let’s think about it!

➡ How much was offered? Where did it come from? Experiences from 34 brides regarding travel expenses

➡ Here is a list of articles about travel expenses＊