Last week, I started reading the Weddings Edition published by REAL SIMPLE magazine. One of the articles addressed the challenges of budgeting for a wedding. As a Sonoma wedding photographer, I often ask a prospective bride if she has a budget. In most instances, the answer is “no”.
I know the budgeting process, a necessary task, is a painful one for many. So I would like to share with you some tips (from the REAL SIMPLE magazine article) on how to approach the question “who is paying?”
“Although tradition dictates that the parents of the bride are responsible for footing the bill, the rules have changed. As the marrying age has risen steadily (in 1964 the average bride was 21 years old ; in 2010 she was 27 years old).”NOTE: Most of the brides I photograph are over thirty.
“ Many more established couples are paying for the event themselves. In 2010 about 60 % of the cost of the wedding was contributed by the couple on average according to the Wedding Report.”
“Unless Mom and Dad have insisted on paying since your childhood – no ifs, ands, or buts, - you may have some difficult conversation ahead if you need or want financial help. After you and your fiance have discussed what kind of wedding you want to have, you both should ask your parents whether they are interested in contributing.”
“The key is to get them to be specific about their gift- even giving you a dollar amount – without making them feel awkward. Be honest and gracious during the conversation, and explain that you don't want them to stretch their savings account balance so much that they feel uncomfortable.”
NEXT BLOG: How to determine what you are willing to spend?
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