Parents
They are excited too and just want to help. Be polite and gracious, but firm when telling them the decisions you and your fiancée have made. Of course this is easier said than done with future in-laws. But this is your day and your money probably, so being able to maintain control over the budget is not only important emotionally, but could cause problems with being able to pay the bills. Talk with your future spouse about the best way to deal with his parents.

What do the parents pay for traditionally?

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen get their own clothes and shoes.
Maid of honor and bridesmaids have the bridal shower for the bride.
Best man and groomsmen have the bachelor party for the groom.
Engagement parties can be hosted by either side.
 

Talk about Money before you get married

We all know that money is the number one reason for divorce. So nip that problem in the bud early by sitting down and planning a budget, not only for the wedding but for your household. How much will the income be monthly? How will you decide who pays the bills? Will it be based in proportion to the size of your incomes? What about big purchase items? How much will you save and how much will you spend on fun items like entertainment and travel? Ask about his credit and any student loans. This will come up anyway when you want to buy a house. You need to know where you stand financially, especially as you start to plan your wedding budget. Will you put the items on credit cards or go into your savings? Its a tough call, so get out a calculator and start hashing out the details.

Not enough money for a big wedding? Don't get upset, Get creative!
First set priorities on your budget. What is more important, a bunch of flowers or a nice honeymoon, or expensive food, or the best band. Then cut back areas that aren't at the top of the list. Here are some ideas:
~Have the reception in your back yard (have a tent available for backup)
~Kroger has nice flowers, Nurseries have nice flowers. Schedule a best bud to grab some fresh ones on Wedding Day morning and run them over to the reception place and church
~Lunch costs less than dinner catered. Buffets are less than served meals. Ask about liquor costs, overtime, tipping, cake, insurance, and menus.
~Ask around to see about bands and DJs. Or have a friend with a good sound system and a great personality be your DJ to coordinate songs and reception events.
~Print your own invitations. Staples and Walmart have the paper to print.
~Saturday nights are most popular for weddings. Shoot for Friday night or Sat afternoon.
~ But DON'T SKIMP ON PHOTOGRAPHY if photos are important to you. Even if they aren't, it will probably be important to your kids someday. You can't go back and get more pictures later.

Cashing in on a New Home:
It is proper and acceptable to answer "Actually what we would really like is cash for a down payment on a house" when asked what you want as a gift. Call me for details on paperwork when applying for a loan. I help first time homebuyers all the time: 777-3578

Dave Parris from Wells Fargo 479-1116 has all the information you need on registering and accepting gifts that go towards the down payment for your house. A new home to start your new family is the best gift of all!

Get wedding gifts for your new kitchen and have a bridal shower all at the same time

Lisa Dassell can help you or your Maid of Honor host a Pampered Chef party. Here is her information:
Phones:
(502) 327-8703 (day)
(502) 338-8828 (evening)
E-mail: daisydassell@aol.com
Web site: www.pamperedchef.biz/lisadassell