Dear The Bridal Guru,
My family and I do not have a lot of money. What we can afford for the wedding and reception is not what my fiancée and his family want. Because of their economic status, they are able to pay for the wedding they want. My question to you is this: Is it OK for the Groom to help pay for the wedding?
Financially Strapped
Dear Financially Strapped,
Times have changed. It use to be the bride’s family picked u the entire tab. Now with so many couples getting married at an older age and successful in their own rights, they are paying for the wedding or helping the bride’s family. Still, there are weddings where the groom’s family pitches in. It’s all acceptable in today’s society. The main concern for you and your family is are you comfortable with this arrangement?
As tradition goes, it’s not the groom’s wedding; it’s your wedding and what you have envisioned from the time you were a little girl. If you are comfortable with your fiancée and his family paying for the wedding and the festivities that is fine with me. You might find out what your role will be in choosing the venues, flowers, décor, food, music and entertainment, wedding coordinator, favors, etc. Just because they are paying for the wedding doesn’t mean you should not have a “say-so” in the planning. I do feel this shows how weddings have evolved from the bride’s day to the couple’s day if this is a joint effort and you both are involved in the planning.
So, Financially Strapped, thank the Groom’s family for their generosity but let them know that you and your mother and family want to be involved in the planning. I am sure if they are this generous that they would want you to be happy and would want you involved so you will have the wedding of your dreams, too. It sounds like you are marrying into a pretty incredible family. Best Wishes!
The Bridal Guru
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