CONTRIBUTIONS

If you feel comfortable broaching the subject, you could raise the issue yourselves. Try to do it in an informal manner and don’t have any preconceptions about what you expect. Your parents will want this day to be as special as you do but they may have financial commitments that mean they can’t give you a blank cheque. So long as you have a good relationship with your parents, you can explain to them that you are asking so that you can best plan your budget. Most parents will understand that Weddings are expensive things (if they are in any doubt tell them to visit our How Much Will It Cost article!)and budgeting will be the element most vital to success.

The alternative to asking is assuming, but you know what they say about people who assume (for those of you who don’t know, it’s to do with making a donkey-like creature of u and me – work it out!). In fact the only time it’s advisable to do so is when you assume that your parents will not be able to contribute – this way if they can, it’s a pleasant surprise and a bit of extra cash. Waiting for an eventual offer of a contribution but planning the wedding based on guaranteed money might not be what you had in mind, but it avoids the heartache of having to cancel bookings close to your big day due to cash shortages. Though remember, even if you are waiting for an all important offer from parents - you can always drop hints!

OK, so your parents have said that they want to contribute towards the Wedding, they may even have used the phrase ‘pay for the wedding’, either way you need to make sure that there is a clear understanding of what they expect to ‘get’ for their money. In order to do this you first need to clarify how much they will contribute and when. Even the most generous parents have an idea of how much they will contribute and their view on the cost of a Wedding as compared to yours may differ significantly.