My fiancee and I just started planning our wedding - my first, his second. His parents are divorced, and both contributed to his first wedding (rehearsal, and reception). My parents have offered to pay for our reception, and the couple (us) plan to host a cocktail party the night before (in lieu of a traditional rehearsal dinner).
It would not surprise me at all if his mother - and perhaps father too - offer to chip in for some of the wedding expenses. (His mother once alluded to the groom's family throwing the bridal shower, but I have read here that this is not appropriate, so if it comes up I will politely decline... still I'd feel a little bad since I adore her and I'm happy she is so excited about our engagement.)
If his parents offer to contribute to, say, the cocktail party hosting, may we accept? Or, should we decline in principle, since it isn't appropriate for parents to pay for 2 weddings? They may offer to pay to be nice, or because they feel they "should"...
(This post was
edited by futureplanning on Feb 16, 2007, 8:15 PM)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Feb 17, 2007, 6:55 PM
Post #2 of 3
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Re: [futureplanning] Must we refuse parental help?
[In reply to]
Dear Futureplanning,
Just because it isn't necessary for parents to contribute to first, second, or... weddings of their children, it doesn't mean that they shouldn't or that you should decline the offer. If they want to contribute, it is like any other gift. You would smile and say, "Thank you." It is perfectly acceptable to accept it.
Must we refuse parental help?
