DEAR ABBY: I am a 46-year-old female being married for the second time. My first marriage took place 28 years ago and didn't cost my parents a penny because there was no wedding.
I would like to ask them to contribute financially this time to help with the cost of a small, intimate ceremony and dinner for fewer than 20 people. Am I asking too much? -- SECOND TIME AROUND IN ORLANDO, FLA.
DEAR SECOND TIME AROUND: Yes. Couples on their "second bounce" pay for their own weddings. And by the way, there is no obligation on the part of the bride's parents to pay for her wedding even the first time around. A wedding is a gift, and to solicit a gift is inappropriate. If your parents volunteer to chip in for your wedding, then it's fine to accept. But don't ask them to do it. That you didn't have a wedding the first time around does not obligate them to pay for one now.