Paying for the wedding

With the average couple getting married at a later age, they're more often in a financial position to help with wedding expenses. Sometimes, in the case of a second wedding, the couple may pay for the whole wedding themselves. Or, when the bride and groom want some fancy extras, they may feel better about covering those expenses on their own. Really, it all depends on your personal situation, and that of the parents. Who's willing and who's able are more important today than the past dictates of etiquette. However, it's vital that everyone be comfortable with the division of expenses. Because money is a sensitive topic, you should address this issue early; if necessary, talk privately with the parties involved. When parents are able, they may offer to cover most or all of the wedding costs. Another close relative, such as an aunt or grandmother, may also choose to contribute. In a few instances, the groom's family may pay the majority of expenses. Again, it depends on your cultural or ethnic beliefs, and people's individual finances. As long as everyone agrees, and there are no hard feelings as to what's fair, it doesn't really matter who pays for the wedding.