The
wedding budget is a very important issue that needs communication between all
parties involved – the couple and their respective families. Gone are the days
when the bride’s family bears the burden all alone because they are giving out
their daughter. The wedding seems like the last thing you are doing for your
daughter, so you want to spend your last dime. In recent times, things have
changed. It’s common to have the bills for the wedding split between the two
sides.
However,
settling the wedding bills is a grey area, there is no black or white.
Personally, I am of the opinion that communication lines should be kept open.
An agreement should be reached as to who pays for what, and not just leaving
the burden to, say, the richer party. Honestly speaking, responsibilities
should be shared. There are three ways you can source for funding for your
wedding; each has its pros and cons.
The Bride’s
Parents
Since,
they are giving out their daughter in marriage, the mother-of-the-bride and
father-of-the-bride would not hesitate to spend on their daughter’s wedding.
The bride’s parents solely contribute each kobo to finance the event.
Good – you have
enough money to spend after the wedding. You live your married life debt free
and you don’t get to touch your personal savings
Bad – he who pays
the piper dictates the tune, you would have to compromise a lot. For instance,
if you want a hundred guests at your wedding, they may insist on inviting three
hundred. What can you say? It is their money after all! If your parents are
retired and living on their pension, it could rip them off their pension or
life savings.
Everyone
In
this scenario, there is a shared responsibility in financing the wedding. The
groom’s family, the bride’s family and the couple contribute.
Good – you get the
kind of wedding you want since there is no scarcity of resources. You do not
have to expend all your savings or go bankrupt. There is money left for you to
spend after the whole event.
Bad – since every stakeholder contributes financially, you
do not have total control. You may have more guests than you personally want
present at your wedding.
The Couple
Good – you have
total control and make decisions your own way. You get the kind of wedding that
you want; you don’t have to dance to anyone’s tune. Your parents get to keep
their pension if they are retired.
Bad – like I always
say, this is Naija! When the couple fund their wedding themselves, it could be
an offence to the parents, especially the bride’s. She is their daughter and
they always want to contribute to the success her big day. Also, since you are
the sole financier, you may run into debts or go bankrupt. This is because you are
likely going to dip your hands in your savings.
No comments:
Post a Comment