Money Matters

What to know about wedding-related finances in today’s modern world

By Anna Sachse
CTW Features

Who Pays?

In the past, the bride and her family were expected to pay for everything related to the ceremony (except for the marriage license and officiant’s fee) and reception, as well as the groom’s ring, and the groom and his family paid for the bride’s rings, rehearsal and honeymoon, says Anna Post, author of “Do I Have To Wear White?: Emily Post Answers America’s Top Wedding Questions” (Collins Living, 2009). However, nowadays, anyone can pay for any part of the wedding, says Post, including the couple. Some parents may want to pay, but assumptions are out.

Asking for Money

Outright requests for cash used to be a no-no, says Naylor. “In fact, you weren’t even supposed to mention gifts; instead, registry information was passed by word of mouth,” she says. Now it’s OK to put your registry details on your wedding website (just don’t include it with your invites), Naylor says, but despite the advent of financial registries, it’s still considered a tad tasteless to ask for money, regardless of whether it’s for a honeymoon or a first-home fund.

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