I AM getting married to a Slovak girl and her father insists on paying for everything linked to the wedding. Is there something, according to tradition, I can take care of?
Who pays for what at a wedding always depends on the financial situation of both families and any agreement they reach.
Traditionally, however, expenses are divided between the bride, groom and their parents as follows:
The bride pays for the farewell party, the groom's wedding ring, accommodation for the guests, a morning gift for the groom and small gifts for the bridesmaids and parents.
The groom pays for the wedding ring for the bride, the wedding suit for himself, a wedding bouquet for the bride, myrtles for the guests, the honeymoon, a morning gift for the bride and a small gift for the best man.
The bride's parents pay for the wedding reception, the wedding dress for the bride, the wedding invitations, the flowers, the wedding car, the wedding table, the wedding ceremony, the cake, the music, a gift for the new couple and the photographs.
The groom's parents pay for a gift for the new couple and the honeymoon.
The bridesmaids and best man pay for the farewell party and a gift for the new couple.
Arrangement on who exactly pays for what can be adjusted - this of course very much depends on the willingness of your future father-in-law.
Dear readers of The Slovak Spectator and Surviving Slovakia: Thank you very much for all the questions and inquiries you have sent in over the past year. We wish you a very happy new year and will be looking forward to your inquiries again in 2005.
Ivona Telekiová, General Manager of Bratislava based company, Reloca-tion s.r.o. (www.relo.sk) awaits your questions at surviving.slovakia@gpp.sk
