Everyone knows that planning a wedding costs a good chunk of change. However, plenty of couples struggle when it comes to figuring out how to best use their budgets. Though there are plenty of obstacles you can expect to encounter, there are also just as many solutions. Review these common wedding mistakes and learn how you can maximize your budget throughout the entire planning process.
No Budget Breakdown
Setting a budget is Wedding Planning 101. Still, you might not be creating a budget that accurately reflects your wedding expenses. First and foremost, you must figure out if anyone will be helping you pay for any of the costs. If you’re making assumptions that family members will be contributing to the expenses, you could be in for a very unfortunate awakening when the time comes to pay the bill. Reach out to anyone who offered to help, get an exact idea of how much those individuals can put forward, and create a realistic budget.
The breakdown of the budget should also include any and all fees. From the tips you give the catering staff to the gas your car needs to get to the venue on time, any amount you have to spend should be documented and accounted for in your budget.
No Budget Tracking
Though it is far from easy, establishing a budget is actually the simplest part of the financial side of your wedding. What more couples seem to struggle with is tracking their spending. It doesn’t do you much good to know how much you can afford to spend on a service if you fail to remember how much you have already spent. If a particular vendor costs a bit more or less than you had initially accounted for, you absolutely want to make sure your budget reflects this change.
Monitor your spending in whatever method works best for you. Some people find an app downloaded on a digital device is the perfect solution. Other couples use the traditional pen-and-paper tactic to have a physical budget they can refer to at all times.
No Flexibility
No matter how much time you put into creating a budget, you never know what circumstances can arise and create drastic changes. Your vendors can only control so much when it comes to costs. In fact, many businesses will only provide general quotes on price at first. This is because there are all kinds of factors that can change what a service will cost. Though it can be frustrating to learn you need to spend more on a cake or bouquet, you will find that flexibility helps you get the most out of your budget.
When you know how to roll with the punches, you stand to land better deals. Should a vendor alert you to a problem, having an amiable response to the news increases the odds the business will want to work with you to find the most cost-effective solution.
No Free Services
Some vendors will allow for a free trial in order to show a couple what they can do. However, this is not always the case. In fact, many vendors have begun to charge potential clients for the trials because of the expenses related to conducting them. Before you attend a trial and assume that it won’t cost you anything, ask directly. Should you sit through a hair appointment and learn you now owe several hundred dollars, it can severely eat into your budget in a way that you didn’t anticipate.
Budgeting for your wedding can be a major headache, but you can find relief by taking your time. Have a plan from the start that covers all major expenses and takes common mistakes into consideration and you are likely to see the best possible results.
One of the best ways to spend your time during quarantine is to think about ways to save for your wedding, especially if it was postponed.
The last few months have forced many people to postpone or cancel their wedding plans. While this might be upsetting, it is also an opportunity to take a step back and rethink some ideas. Whether you had your plans pushed off due to the current global pandemic or you were just starting to talk about ideas with your partner before the quarantine began, extra time to plan is really a blessing in disguise for some. One of the best ways to spend your time is pondering how to save money.
A wedding is an expensive event. If you want to come out of the pandemic with a clear plan and a pocket full of cash, take a look at these easy ways you can save money for the future.
Evaluate Your Current Expenses and Budget
If you want to save money on the wedding you need to have a plan. You can’t formulate a plan if you don’t have information. When it comes to money, all the information you need can be found in your life and daily habits. What is your income? What is your partner’s income? How much do you spend a month on expenses, and how much can you realistically afford to set aside without tapping into crucial funds? Knowing the money you are starting with and what you’re likely to see from your job can help you forecast.
A wedding budget is also a vital component. You need to set a limit on your spending and stick with it. This will help you control what funds you are applying to which services and evaluate whether or not you are spending too much or too little on anything in particular. The budget will depend entirely on the preferences you share. If you don’t care about the venue but love food, then put the bulk of your funds behind the catering service. Work on this part of the plan in advance, and you’ll see better results with the rest.
Take Down Your Debt
Extra time is a blessing for many reasons. Maybe your credit score is not exactly where you would like it to be. Improving your rating takes time, and time may be all you have right now. If you have existing debt preventing you from getting your financial status into a better position, try to pay down some of this right now. Make higher payments to pay off the premium over the interest, and see if you can work with lenders to get better rates based on good habits you have established over the years.
The reason this is helpful is you might want to consider opening up or using an existing credit card for wedding expenses. If you have a specific card that you use to cover a good chunk of the payments, then you will have a really easy way to both track your budget and know exactly how much you have spent and on what. While this is a great step to take for some, it might not be right for you. Putting money toward your debt when you need it for other expenses is also a fine and sensible decision.
Look for Local Deals
Going local with your vendors is a smart move because it helps you engage with your community in a meaningful and productive way. What’s more, you might be able to save money by doing this. Ask one of your vendors for recommendations, and this might lead to you finding an array of other excellent vendors that offer great rates, all because you asked a person with connections who likes to connect others.
It can be difficult to find ways to save for a wedding, but it can be a little bit easier when you have a quarantine keeping you from going out and spending. Think about your strategy and develop a plan that works for your future nuptials.
There are many reasons to consider talking about finances early with your partner. Look over these tips for the right way to start the money conversation.
Marriage can be a very interesting and complicated arrangement. This union marks a time in your life when you will no longer be an individual who is fully independent. From this point on, all decisions you make are going to have a direct impact on another person’s life. Luckily, staying mindful of the needs of your partner is an easy way to make sure you both are on the same page. Before you walk down the aisle, however, it can be a good idea to have a discussion about finances. The “money talk” is an important one to have.
There are many reasons to consider talking about finances early with your partner. Look over these tips and find the right way to start the conversation.
Your Wedding Budget
The easiest way to begin this talk is by bringing up the topic of the wedding budget. Putting together this type of event can often cost a significant amount. In order for you to throw a wedding that lives up to the vision you both share, you need to have a strong idea of how much you can afford to spend. Before you begin planning, sit down with your significant other and start discussing finances. By having this conversation early, you can make some important decisions about the event right away.
For one, you might realize that you do not have as much money to work with as you originally believed. If you’ve discussed the issue early on, you won’t make the mistake of booking vendors that you cannot actually afford or putting any down payments toward services that fall outside of your budget. On the opposite side, your conversation might reveal you have a bit more to spend than you initially believed. Perhaps you really can afford an orchestra instead of a DJ! Be open so that you can use your funds in the wisest manner.
Your Future
Having a conversation about money does a lot more than simply provide you with a budget for your wedding. This talk also helps to lay out the groundwork of your future. Your significant other is the person you will need to turn to when times are tough. If you both have wildly different methods of spending money, it can lead to fights down the line. The money talk is the perfect opportunity to discuss how you plan on saving for the future, as well as whether you’d like joint accounts or shared credit cards.
What’s more, studies have shown that one of the top reasons couples fight is due to finances. While money can always add stress to a situation, not having an open discussion about your finances can lead to resentment and frustration. You don’t want to send your relationship into a tailspin when it can be avoided. Talk about money and be honest with your partner about how you’d like to save for the future. This can get you on the same page and help you make sensible decisions moving forward.
Control Your Reactions
While having the conversation about money, try not to overreact to anything discussed. If you’re a frugal person and your partner is frivolous with spending, criticizing your significant other about spending can seem like an attack on his or her character. No matter how strongly you feel about budgeting, be sure to be respectful with your partner and have the most open discussion possible on the matter.
There are plenty of reasons to think about having a conversation about money before the day of your wedding arrives. The earlier you have this talk, the easier it will be for you to keep frustrations to a minimum and start married life on the same page.
Trimming the guest list at a wedding can be a difficult task, but by keeping in mind a few important points, you should be able to reach a number that is just right.
Big families can be wonderful. When you have a lot of relatives, you have a lot of people you likely can turn to when you need advice, guidance, a laugh, or an idea of where your genetics might take you later in life. Despite how nice it is to have plenty of kith and kin, it can also pose a unique problem when the time comes to plan your wedding. Whether both you and your partner come from large families or just one of you does, fitting everybody in might require some ingenuity.
Though it can create many headaches throughout the process, it is entirely possible to survive the experience of planning for a large guest list. Take a look at this advice and see how you can get through the ordeal.
Budgetary Concerns
Inviting a lot of people to your wedding means the total cost of your event is going to be substantial. You need a lot of money to fit all of those bodies into one space, feed them, and make sure the majority of them are enjoying themselves. Before you get too far into planning, you need to make sure you can actually afford to invite everyone on your list. Making cuts to your guest list is definitely going to be a stressful task, unless, of course, there are some relatives you really don’t want to come.
Once you’ve gotten through this step, take a moment to breathe. While it won’t be a walk in the park, everything else you need to do to see success is going to be a bit easier.
Spacious Venues
Now that you have a guest list, you need a place to put them all. Choosing a venue for the reception might be a lot easier now that you’ve got your full list. If you have a ton of names on the list, then there might be only a limited number of spaces available for you to rent. You may not be able to pick your dream venue, but you can still get all of your guests together for your big day in a suitable location.
Beyond having enough space to fit everyone, you also want to make sure you can fit them comfortably. You don’t want the entire space to be packed with tables and chairs, as it can make it impossible for your guests to get around without knocking into each other.
Talking Points
As one of the guests of honor, you are going to need to spend a large chunk of your wedding chatting with the friends and family members who came out. The more people at the event, the more time you are going to have to spend bouncing from table to table. You’re definitely not going to be able to talk with everyone, but you can easily make an appearance at every table by setting aside an hour of the reception to make your rounds.
Seeing success with this task is going to come down to timing it out right. If you give yourself an hour to see everyone, then make sure you keep things moving. Don’t get stuck on one person for too long, and be sure your partner can keep with the pace. You may feel bad rushing through, but your guests will be happy to get a little time with you.
Time Constraints
Finally, remember that having a lot of guests might delay things. Waiting for everyone to arrive can take an eternity, so take into account the fact that you might need to start later than you’d like. Being prepared for a delay will make it far less stressful on the big day.
When you’ve got a lot of guests coming to your wedding, you need to plan it out just right. By taking your time and thinking through all angles, you’re far more likely to see success and enjoy the experience all the while.
The cost of a wedding can approach the expense of new car or even more, depending on any number of items. According to The Huffington Post, a wedding in Quebec can run about $8,400 for just 77 guests, but one survey found that the average amount spent on a wedding was about $23,000. That figure does not include the engagement ring or honeymoon. Today’s couples have to make sure they have budgeted for their wedding. Traditionally, families were expected to help with the expenses, but in today’s environment, that isn’t always the case. Although the lines of who pays what for a wedding are definitely blurred, there are some customary divisions.
The Groom and His Family
The groom and his family have the easier burden when it comes to the wedding. The groom generally pays for the engagement ring and bride’s wedding ring. He should also expect to be responsible for:
His attire
Boutonnieres and corsages for his side of the wedding party
Officiant’s fee, plus accommodations and transportation
Marriage license
Bride’s gift
Gifts for the groomsmen
DJ or music at the reception
Liquor at the reception
Because the groom’s family traditionally hosts the rehearsal dinner, he or his family should expect to manage all the expenses associated with it.
The Bride and Her Family
Generally, if it isn’t in the groom’s list, it’s the bride’s responsibility. This includes the ceremony and reception expenses, as well as all of the planning, invitations, and photography. Most of the big ticket items are under the bride’s purview. The bride’s family is generally the one who hosts the engagement party, and the bride’s parents are considered the hosts of the reception. This is one reason their name is listed first on the invitation. If the bride hosts a luncheon for the bridesmaids, it is her responsibility to pay for the party.
The Attendants
Although the bride and groom are responsible for most of the expenses associated with the wedding, the attendants should pay for their own attire and accessories. Considerate brides and grooms may offer to assist with costs if the attendant is not able. The bride and groom may also need to provide attire for younger attendants such as the ring bearer or flower girl who do not have discretionary income.
The attendants generally work together to host the bachelor or bachelorette party, and the maid of honor and bridesmaids may host the bridal shower. Attendants should also arrange their own transportation to and from the wedding. Sometimes, the attendants chip in together for a gift for the couple, but it isn’t mandatory.
Contemporary Views of Who Pays
More couples are waiting until they are older and settled into a career and home before they tie the knot. This lets them contribute more money to their own affairs and not ask their parents to cover any expenses. Some families are splitting the bill in thirds, where the groom’s family, the bride’s family, and the couple each pay for one-third of the wedding.
Instead of looking at traditional lists of who pays for what, it’s important to consider the abilities of each party. Adult brides and grooms who have been managing their own finances should not expect parents to cover any of the costs. If the parent offers, then consider it a blessing and don’t ask for more. Second-time brides and grooms are pretty much on their own when it comes to wedding expenses.
Instead of making your wedding about money, take the time before you ever make plans to work out a budget and know exactly what you and your future spouse can afford. Stay within your budget to get started on the right foot without going into debt and dealing with a truckload of bills in your first year of marriage.
Everyone knows that planning a wedding costs a good chunk of change. However, plenty of couples struggle when it comes to figuring out how to best use their budgets. Though there are plenty of obstacles you can expect to encounter, there are also just as many solutions. Review these common wedding mistakes and learn how you can maximize your budget throughout the entire planning process.
No Budget Breakdown
Setting a budget is Wedding Planning 101. Still, you might not be creating a budget that accurately reflects your wedding expenses. First and foremost, you must figure out if anyone will be helping you pay for any of the costs. If you’re making assumptions that family members will be contributing to the expenses, you could be in for a very unfortunate awakening when the time comes to pay the bill. Reach out to anyone who offered to help, get an exact idea of how much those individuals can put forward, and create a realistic budget.
The breakdown of the budget should also include any and all fees. From the tips you give the catering staff to the gas your car needs to get to the venue on time, any amount you have to spend should be documented and accounted for in your budget.
No Budget Tracking
Though it is far from easy, establishing a budget is actually the simplest part of the financial side of your wedding. What more couples seem to struggle with is tracking their spending. It doesn’t do you much good to know how much you can afford to spend on a service if you fail to remember how much you have already spent. If a particular vendor costs a bit more or less than you had initially accounted for, you absolutely want to make sure your budget reflects this change.
Monitor your spending in whatever method works best for you. Some people find an app downloaded on a digital device is the perfect solution. Other couples use the traditional pen-and-paper tactic to have a physical budget they can refer to at all times.
No Flexibility
No matter how much time you put into creating a budget, you never know what circumstances can arise and create drastic changes. Your vendors can only control so much when it comes to costs. In fact, many businesses will only provide general quotes on price at first. This is because there are all kinds of factors that can change what a service will cost. Though it can be frustrating to learn you need to spend more on a cake or bouquet, you will find that flexibility helps you get the most out of your budget.
When you know how to roll with the punches, you stand to land better deals. Should a vendor alert you to a problem, having an amiable response to the news increases the odds the business will want to work with you to find the most cost-effective solution.
No Free Services
Some vendors will allow for a free trial in order to show a couple what they can do. However, this is not always the case. In fact, many vendors have begun to charge potential clients for the trials because of the expenses related to conducting them. Before you attend a trial and assume that it won’t cost you anything, ask directly. Should you sit through a hair appointment and learn you now owe several hundred dollars, it can severely eat into your budget in a way that you didn’t anticipate.
Budgeting for your wedding can be a major headache, but you can find relief by taking your time. Have a plan from the start that covers all major expenses and takes common mistakes into consideration and you are likely to see the best possible results.
One of the best ways to spend your time during quarantine is to think about ways to save for your wedding, especially if it was postponed.
The last few months have forced many people to postpone or cancel their wedding plans. While this might be upsetting, it is also an opportunity to take a step back and rethink some ideas. Whether you had your plans pushed off due to the current global pandemic or you were just starting to talk about ideas with your partner before the quarantine began, extra time to plan is really a blessing in disguise for some. One of the best ways to spend your time is pondering how to save money.
A wedding is an expensive event. If you want to come out of the pandemic with a clear plan and a pocket full of cash, take a look at these easy ways you can save money for the future.
Evaluate Your Current Expenses and Budget
If you want to save money on the wedding you need to have a plan. You can’t formulate a plan if you don’t have information. When it comes to money, all the information you need can be found in your life and daily habits. What is your income? What is your partner’s income? How much do you spend a month on expenses, and how much can you realistically afford to set aside without tapping into crucial funds? Knowing the money you are starting with and what you’re likely to see from your job can help you forecast.
A wedding budget is also a vital component. You need to set a limit on your spending and stick with it. This will help you control what funds you are applying to which services and evaluate whether or not you are spending too much or too little on anything in particular. The budget will depend entirely on the preferences you share. If you don’t care about the venue but love food, then put the bulk of your funds behind the catering service. Work on this part of the plan in advance, and you’ll see better results with the rest.
Take Down Your Debt
Extra time is a blessing for many reasons. Maybe your credit score is not exactly where you would like it to be. Improving your rating takes time, and time may be all you have right now. If you have existing debt preventing you from getting your financial status into a better position, try to pay down some of this right now. Make higher payments to pay off the premium over the interest, and see if you can work with lenders to get better rates based on good habits you have established over the years.
The reason this is helpful is you might want to consider opening up or using an existing credit card for wedding expenses. If you have a specific card that you use to cover a good chunk of the payments, then you will have a really easy way to both track your budget and know exactly how much you have spent and on what. While this is a great step to take for some, it might not be right for you. Putting money toward your debt when you need it for other expenses is also a fine and sensible decision.
Look for Local Deals
Going local with your vendors is a smart move because it helps you engage with your community in a meaningful and productive way. What’s more, you might be able to save money by doing this. Ask one of your vendors for recommendations, and this might lead to you finding an array of other excellent vendors that offer great rates, all because you asked a person with connections who likes to connect others.
It can be difficult to find ways to save for a wedding, but it can be a little bit easier when you have a quarantine keeping you from going out and spending. Think about your strategy and develop a plan that works for your future nuptials.
There are many reasons to consider talking about finances early with your partner. Look over these tips for the right way to start the money conversation.
Marriage can be a very interesting and complicated arrangement. This union marks a time in your life when you will no longer be an individual who is fully independent. From this point on, all decisions you make are going to have a direct impact on another person’s life. Luckily, staying mindful of the needs of your partner is an easy way to make sure you both are on the same page. Before you walk down the aisle, however, it can be a good idea to have a discussion about finances. The “money talk” is an important one to have.
There are many reasons to consider talking about finances early with your partner. Look over these tips and find the right way to start the conversation.
Your Wedding Budget
The easiest way to begin this talk is by bringing up the topic of the wedding budget. Putting together this type of event can often cost a significant amount. In order for you to throw a wedding that lives up to the vision you both share, you need to have a strong idea of how much you can afford to spend. Before you begin planning, sit down with your significant other and start discussing finances. By having this conversation early, you can make some important decisions about the event right away.
For one, you might realize that you do not have as much money to work with as you originally believed. If you’ve discussed the issue early on, you won’t make the mistake of booking vendors that you cannot actually afford or putting any down payments toward services that fall outside of your budget. On the opposite side, your conversation might reveal you have a bit more to spend than you initially believed. Perhaps you really can afford an orchestra instead of a DJ! Be open so that you can use your funds in the wisest manner.
Your Future
Having a conversation about money does a lot more than simply provide you with a budget for your wedding. This talk also helps to lay out the groundwork of your future. Your significant other is the person you will need to turn to when times are tough. If you both have wildly different methods of spending money, it can lead to fights down the line. The money talk is the perfect opportunity to discuss how you plan on saving for the future, as well as whether you’d like joint accounts or shared credit cards.
What’s more, studies have shown that one of the top reasons couples fight is due to finances. While money can always add stress to a situation, not having an open discussion about your finances can lead to resentment and frustration. You don’t want to send your relationship into a tailspin when it can be avoided. Talk about money and be honest with your partner about how you’d like to save for the future. This can get you on the same page and help you make sensible decisions moving forward.
Control Your Reactions
While having the conversation about money, try not to overreact to anything discussed. If you’re a frugal person and your partner is frivolous with spending, criticizing your significant other about spending can seem like an attack on his or her character. No matter how strongly you feel about budgeting, be sure to be respectful with your partner and have the most open discussion possible on the matter.
There are plenty of reasons to think about having a conversation about money before the day of your wedding arrives. The earlier you have this talk, the easier it will be for you to keep frustrations to a minimum and start married life on the same page.
Trimming the guest list at a wedding can be a difficult task, but by keeping in mind a few important points, you should be able to reach a number that is just right.
Big families can be wonderful. When you have a lot of relatives, you have a lot of people you likely can turn to when you need advice, guidance, a laugh, or an idea of where your genetics might take you later in life. Despite how nice it is to have plenty of kith and kin, it can also pose a unique problem when the time comes to plan your wedding. Whether both you and your partner come from large families or just one of you does, fitting everybody in might require some ingenuity.
Though it can create many headaches throughout the process, it is entirely possible to survive the experience of planning for a large guest list. Take a look at this advice and see how you can get through the ordeal.
Budgetary Concerns
Inviting a lot of people to your wedding means the total cost of your event is going to be substantial. You need a lot of money to fit all of those bodies into one space, feed them, and make sure the majority of them are enjoying themselves. Before you get too far into planning, you need to make sure you can actually afford to invite everyone on your list. Making cuts to your guest list is definitely going to be a stressful task, unless, of course, there are some relatives you really don’t want to come.
Once you’ve gotten through this step, take a moment to breathe. While it won’t be a walk in the park, everything else you need to do to see success is going to be a bit easier.
Spacious Venues
Now that you have a guest list, you need a place to put them all. Choosing a venue for the reception might be a lot easier now that you’ve got your full list. If you have a ton of names on the list, then there might be only a limited number of spaces available for you to rent. You may not be able to pick your dream venue, but you can still get all of your guests together for your big day in a suitable location.
Beyond having enough space to fit everyone, you also want to make sure you can fit them comfortably. You don’t want the entire space to be packed with tables and chairs, as it can make it impossible for your guests to get around without knocking into each other.
Talking Points
As one of the guests of honor, you are going to need to spend a large chunk of your wedding chatting with the friends and family members who came out. The more people at the event, the more time you are going to have to spend bouncing from table to table. You’re definitely not going to be able to talk with everyone, but you can easily make an appearance at every table by setting aside an hour of the reception to make your rounds.
Seeing success with this task is going to come down to timing it out right. If you give yourself an hour to see everyone, then make sure you keep things moving. Don’t get stuck on one person for too long, and be sure your partner can keep with the pace. You may feel bad rushing through, but your guests will be happy to get a little time with you.
Time Constraints
Finally, remember that having a lot of guests might delay things. Waiting for everyone to arrive can take an eternity, so take into account the fact that you might need to start later than you’d like. Being prepared for a delay will make it far less stressful on the big day.
When you’ve got a lot of guests coming to your wedding, you need to plan it out just right. By taking your time and thinking through all angles, you’re far more likely to see success and enjoy the experience all the while.
The cost of a wedding can approach the expense of new car or even more, depending on any number of items. According to The Huffington Post, a wedding in Quebec can run about $8,400 for just 77 guests, but one survey found that the average amount spent on a wedding was about $23,000. That figure does not include the engagement ring or honeymoon. Today’s couples have to make sure they have budgeted for their wedding. Traditionally, families were expected to help with the expenses, but in today’s environment, that isn’t always the case. Although the lines of who pays what for a wedding are definitely blurred, there are some customary divisions.
The Groom and His Family
The groom and his family have the easier burden when it comes to the wedding. The groom generally pays for the engagement ring and bride’s wedding ring. He should also expect to be responsible for:
His attire
Boutonnieres and corsages for his side of the wedding party
Officiant’s fee, plus accommodations and transportation
Marriage license
Bride’s gift
Gifts for the groomsmen
DJ or music at the reception
Liquor at the reception
Because the groom’s family traditionally hosts the rehearsal dinner, he or his family should expect to manage all the expenses associated with it.
The Bride and Her Family
Generally, if it isn’t in the groom’s list, it’s the bride’s responsibility. This includes the ceremony and reception expenses, as well as all of the planning, invitations, and photography. Most of the big ticket items are under the bride’s purview. The bride’s family is generally the one who hosts the engagement party, and the bride’s parents are considered the hosts of the reception. This is one reason their name is listed first on the invitation. If the bride hosts a luncheon for the bridesmaids, it is her responsibility to pay for the party.
The Attendants
Although the bride and groom are responsible for most of the expenses associated with the wedding, the attendants should pay for their own attire and accessories. Considerate brides and grooms may offer to assist with costs if the attendant is not able. The bride and groom may also need to provide attire for younger attendants such as the ring bearer or flower girl who do not have discretionary income.
The attendants generally work together to host the bachelor or bachelorette party, and the maid of honor and bridesmaids may host the bridal shower. Attendants should also arrange their own transportation to and from the wedding. Sometimes, the attendants chip in together for a gift for the couple, but it isn’t mandatory.
Contemporary Views of Who Pays
More couples are waiting until they are older and settled into a career and home before they tie the knot. This lets them contribute more money to their own affairs and not ask their parents to cover any expenses. Some families are splitting the bill in thirds, where the groom’s family, the bride’s family, and the couple each pay for one-third of the wedding.
Instead of looking at traditional lists of who pays for what, it’s important to consider the abilities of each party. Adult brides and grooms who have been managing their own finances should not expect parents to cover any of the costs. If the parent offers, then consider it a blessing and don’t ask for more. Second-time brides and grooms are pretty much on their own when it comes to wedding expenses.
Instead of making your wedding about money, take the time before you ever make plans to work out a budget and know exactly what you and your future spouse can afford. Stay within your budget to get started on the right foot without going into debt and dealing with a truckload of bills in your first year of marriage.
