I was talking with my daughter and found out that the family she married into pays the price of the meal as part of their gift to the bride and groom. You give a gift as you would normaly and include the price of the meal for each person in the family attending: Example each plate $65.00 x 2 = $130.00 plus you give your usual gift. (This is expected from each relative) I really think this is wrong. I was wondering if other people do this as I have never heard of this and I am no spring chicken! Thanks for any information.
While this is the trend in some places, if you want to stick to etiquette, it is completely forbidden. The family and friends of the groom may be used to doing this at all of their weddings, and the weddings they attend, but that does not make it universally acceptable.
If you know that your family and friends will be offended by this practice, you should discuss it with the groom and his parents, and arrive at a compromise.
The choices made for the wedding reception, including the food, should reflect the overall budget of the wedding. If the budget does not allow you to have a sit-down meal for your guests(without them paying their own way), then you should opt for a smaller guest list, a heavy buffet, etc.
Hope this helps!
Valerie Linker, Wedding Consultant
