DEAR ABBY: Our son is getting married soon. The bride's parents say this is the '90s and we should split the cost as they are "our kids." What the "kids" want will cost $6,000 total.
They claim they have gotten the lowest prices for this big day. Are we responsible for paying 50 percent?
I told my husband about the financing, and he said it's customary for the bride's father to pay for the wedding. Others who have married children say they've split the cost.
I don't think splitting the cost is such a bad idea. Perhaps when our two daughters get married, we can say, "Hey, this is the '90s -- and we'll pay half."
What do you say, Abby? -- STRESSED IN WASHINGTON
DEAR STRESSED: Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding and reception. However, today it is not unusual for the groom's family to offer to share the cost. In many cases, the couple will pay for their own wedding.