Choosing the wedding reception site when parents are paying

#1 MaggieBack

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Joined: 22-January 09

Posted 22 January 2026 - 02:12 PM

If parents of the bride are paying for the reception, should the groom and bride have a say on where the reception is held?

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 24 January 2026 - 11:53 AM

#2 Etiquette Now

WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT

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Posted 24 January 2026 - 04:43 PM

Dear MaggieBack,

Absolutely. Parents are not obligated to host or pay for anything anymore. So, if they choose to contribute, they offer it as a gift. The gift has no strings attached. The couple plans and invites.

Best wishes,

#3 Wedding Queen and MOG

Forum Moderator & Wedding Expert

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Posted 25 January 2026 - 08:42 AM

While I agree wholeheartedly with Rebecca, I would like to add that since your parents are paying, and you are accepting their help, you might want to address this carefully and as a team so as not to seem ungrateful. Your parents may want to have a say in the location of your reception due to financial contraints. Be sure to discuss everything and listen carefully. But, if your parents insist on steering the ship, you can always decline their offer to pay and pay for the wedding yourselves. This will leave you totally in charge.