Several Options for Who Pays
Several Options for Who Pays
April 18, 2005Posted By marriage
More articles on the Wedding Planning topic: Wedding Planning Money
In an earlier entry we talked about who traditionally pays and for what items. Today I wanted to list out some various options to the traditional method that still take into account everyone's feelings and financial ability.
Always keep in mind...
The Bride and Groom(B&G) should always keep in mind that if people are giving you money for a wedding they expect to have some say in where it goes. Some people want to say more than others. Also, keep in mind that it is not a blank check that they are offering you, so be respectful of the gift.
People giving money should remember that it is supposed to be a gift and gifts should not come with strings attached, or at least not a ton of them. And it is, after all, their wedding. Sometimes telling the B&G what the total of what you are willing to pay for the wedding will avoid confusion or expectations beyond your means.
1. Divide the bill in half between two families. Not really the best idea given that it could easily be no problem for one and a big deal to the other.
2. Break things down to a per person cost and have each family pay for their own guests. This is a lot more fair and equitable, in that your family has control over who they invite and if they want more people then they can pay for it.
3. The Bride and Groom pay for everything themselves. Not the best option if you are the Bride and Groom, but then again you can do it your way without any interference.
4. My favorite...The Bride and Groom pay for anything above what the family wants to pay. So, if the Bride and Groom want a better bottle of wine served and the family thinks the one they chose is more than adequate, the B&G pay for the difference.
