DEAR ABBY: Are parents of the bride required to foot the cost of the wedding (averaging over $25,000 in the U.S. nowadays) anymore? I understand they were years ago, when it was a part of her dowry, but in modern times I have heard of such a thing only in your column -- unless the family is rich and Daddy pays for everything.
I can't imagine asking my parents to pay for my wedding. My fiance and I are aiming for -- dress included -- $1,000 or less. Are parents actually expected to spend thousands on their daughter's wedding? It's their daughter and son-in-law who want it. -- JUST ASKING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
DEAR JUST ASKING: No. A wedding is a gift, and while it would be generous for the parents to pitch in, there is no requirement that they do so.