Weddings are a time-honored tradition that have been celebrated for centuries. But why do the bride's parents traditionally pay for the wedding? This is a question that has been asked for generations, and there are many answers. Traditionally, the bride's family is responsible for paying for the majority of the wedding expenses, from the coordinator to the flowers and decorations. This is often accompanied by a stipulation of control in planning the nuptials.
The groom's family is usually responsible for paying for the rehearsal dinner, and may also pay for the honeymoon, although this is often covered by the couple themselves or through a honeymoon registry. In modern times, there has been a lot of social pressure on parents to organize a large and extravagant wedding. This can lead to brides feeling like they have to condemn their parents if they don't finance their desired wedding. It is important to remember that not all weddings are paid for by parents, and not all couples are just starting out.
It is also important to address expectations from the start so that there are no hurt feelings or mixed messages. In some cultures, it is customary for the groom and his close male relatives to give a gift to the bride's mother at the beginning of the wedding if she is not satisfied with her daughter's choice of groom. This goes back to the concept of women as property of their fathers and then their husbands. It is important to remember that if your parents are contributing financially to your wedding, they should have a say in decisions such as the guest list, venue, and selection of suppliers.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner to decide who pays for what and how much control each party has in planning your nuptials.
