When going through a wedding, it is important to know that many things have changed over the years. There is no such thing as a dowry (much to the dismay of many guys), and in many cases, the father of the bride no longer pays for everything in the wedding. If you are a guy stepping into a wedding, hopefully for the first time, it is important to know what to expect and what you have to pay for.
So who pays for wedding expenses?
Ok so here’s the great part, traditionally it’s the Father-of-the-bride (Score!). Yup for years fathers have unburdened frightened grooms by shelling out thousands of dollars to pay for their daughters weddings. It’s kinda like a “this is the last thing I’m paying for” last hurrah. That’s also kinda why they get to invite who they want. So don’t worry guys you can rest easy knowing that this financial catastrophe isn’t your responsibility. Right?
The father of the bride always pays?!!?
Wrong! We said “traditionally.” Because many couples now have been getting married post- career, there are bride and grooms who have taken the responsibility off of the parents to pay for everything and have taken the brunt of the financial burden upon themselves. So while previous Fathers-of-the-Brides have taken out second mortgages, emptied their 401k, and sold their sperm to pay for their “baby’s” wedding. The new-age father can relax knowing that you will pay for everything and that their house, investments, and sperm are safe. Don’t worry this is not the case in every situation, there are still some parents that pay for the wedding and even those who don’t still tend to give a substantial financial contribution to the new couple pre-or post-wedding.
If you are tight on finances, you may seek out ways in which you can take out a loan for the wedding. But be realistic; remember there is a marriage after the wedding. Also make sure that if you decide to go the route of the loan that your fiancée knows what you’re doing. Remember now is not the time to get her upset, divorce happens a lot faster when you’re not married. Discuss and agree on a reasonable budget with your fiancée and stick to it regardless of who is paying.
By knowing what you can expect to pay for in your wedding, it will help you to make better decisions and to be more realistic in your expectations for your wedding. Make it fun, but don’t go broke!
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