Sometimes a bridal couple’s expectations are misplaced. This is one of those times where I would like just to say to them, “Grow up!”
Dear Wedding Guru: “I am a fortunate woman who, at mid-life, has finally found a soul mate. When I first married many years ago, I eloped and had no reception, so there was nothing my parents could have contributed. For my second marriage, I’m planning an intimate dinner reception for a very small group of guests. I want to know if you feel that my parents should kick into this one, since they didn’t last time around.”
(Our answer on next page)
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The Wedding Guru says: Should your parents contribute financially to your second wedding after you eloped for the first one? In a word, “no.” What’s appropriate this time around is for you and your groom to pick up the tab. I want to add that, for a first wedding, parents are under no obligation to contribute. If they choose to do so, it’s just because they want to do so, not because they have to. Your parents should be invited as guests along with the others in your small party.
If you would like to know more about the ins and outs of a second wedding, feel free to check out the HudsonValleyWeddings.com article “Here Comes the Bride, Again”. Click the following link for information on “Small, Intimate Weddings.”
» More on paying for a wedding
» More from The Wedding Guru
» Submit a question to the Wedding Guru
» Hudson Valley Weddings 2012
