Budget & Basics Etiquette
MORE ETIQUETTE
- Question:
- My parents are paying for our wedding, even though my fiancé's parents are quite wealthy. Whenever I tell his mother about a choice I've made (based on the budget my mom and I set up), she offers me money to "improve" it. She's trying to be nice, but her timing stinks. How should I handle it?
- Answer:
As far as money problems go, this isn't a bad one. Sit down with his parents and talk specifics. Tell them that you're grateful they've been so willing to plump up your budget, but that in order to talk realistically with vendors, you need to know how much they see themselves contributing intotal. Then let her know that you and your fiancé will spend the money where it's most needed. It's a gracious way to accept—and limit—their help. Just be sure your parents are agreeable to the plan—they may have been looking forward to being the solo hosts.
- This content originally appeared in Brides magazine.
