Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: My fiancé and I are planning a small, family wedding. We’re having it on my parent’s farm to take advantage of the beautiful, natural setting, and also because we’ve decided to spend as little as possible, so we can start our marriage on the right financial foot. We are both artists and are looking forward to making the decorations ourselves and creating an intimate, elegant atmosphere that speaks to our personalities and commitment to being earth-friendly and living simply. We’ve decided to have one friend each as a bridesmaid and groomsman, to keep it simple. Given our budget and commitment to making as many of our materials as possible, how much should we spend on the wedding party gifts?
Answer: It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into a wedding that will celebrate who you are as a couple. While you are keeping your expenses low, your bridesmaid and groomsman will still have to spend on your behalf for everything from their attire for the day to planning and throwing showers and other parties and gifting you and your fiancé for those lead up festivities and the wedding. The rule of thumb is to budget anywhere from $75 to $150 for each attendant. Let your conscience and your budget be your guide, but more than anything, it’s about the intention and expressing your appreciation for their help, guidance, support and friendship throughout the planning and execution of the wedding.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Email LTEC@MyNewOrleans.com.
