Makes you wonder what kind of financial future the couple are going to have. Arranging a wedding wihout the funds to do so and asking guests to pay for it is not a good start. We helped when son got married by giving him a substantial amount of money but did ay please don't spend it on the wedding. They actually put it to their deposit on their house that brought their mortgage payments down. They had a gorgeous wedding but stayed well within the budget they had. As for financial help, yes I paid for the dresses and shoes for my two granddaughtters who were bridesmaids and for the hiring of my husband's outfit and that of our grandson who was page boy. I told them I would pay, they did not ask. I would help a member of the family, by doing something, wedding stationery, table decorations or if buffet then as much baking  they wanted but money to pay for the actual wedding, then NO. Starting married life this way does not bode well for the future. I cannot understand the amount they are willing to spend on a wedding but moan that they cannot afford a deposit on a house.

Something that I was told only last week by a friend who had received a wedding invitation from a work colleague. The invitation said no presents as they had been together for 4 years but money towards their honeymoon would be appreciated. They also put in the names of pubs in the immediate vacinity of the church where a meal could be had should anyone require to eat. Now that is a new one to me.