So how does that “frank conversation about money” get rolling? Well, every couple’s situation is different, and maybe money is no object and either the bride or groom’s family will welcome the news with a grand “it’s on us!” gesture. Well, a girl can dream….What worked for us was deciding on a budget we were comfortable with and sharing that number with our daughter right away. She and her fiance could make plans within that budget, or decide to add to it themselves, or with a little from the groom’s family. We stayed within our budget, and the bride and groom picked up the cost of music, videographer and honeymoon.

Talking about money early in the game allows for realistic planning from the start. If you don’t, it can get very awkward. And even if you do this, know that there will most likely be awkward convos anyway…