Weddings are emotional at the best of times; add in the financial stress and extravagance of many modern weddings and they quickly become a hotbed of emotional turmoil for everyone involved. This particular mother was relieved her daughter and future son-in-law had not asked for the traditional financial contribution from parents. The mother also felt guilty because the bride's parents are 'supposed to pay' for the wedding. Thirty years ago, my husband and I contributed to the cost of our wedding, but our parents paid the lions' share, as was the custom. My guilt at having my parents pay for the wedding was assuaged by the fact most guests were our parents' invitees - relatives we didn't know well and many of our parents' friends.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 02, 2017 15:56 UTC