The Moneyist
‘I make a very good living compared to her, and just bought a very expensive new car’
“This cousin didn’t fly in to attend our wedding and only sent a modest gift.”
MarketWatch illustration
Dear Quentin,
My wife and I are fighting over money — actually, a wedding, to be exact. She wants us and our daughter to fly across the country to attend her cousin’s destination wedding. I can take time off work, but I do not want to spend $5,000 on this trip.
I make a very good living compared to her, and just…
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In recent years, destination weddings have become increasingly popular, especially for couples looking for unique and memorable ways to celebrate their special day. However, with such unforgettable experiences come hefty price tags, and some couples might feel uneasy about footing such a bill. Such is the case for one anonymous individual who asked The Moneyist, a column in the Wall Street Journal, for financial advice. The querent writes that their wife wants them to spend $5,000 to attend her cousin’s destination wedding, but they do not want to go. Are they being selfish in this scenario?
In response, the Moneyist suggests first examining the budget to see what other expenses arise from this wedding. People attending destination weddings typically need to factor in costs such as transportation, accomodation, and food, which can quickly add up. Furthermore, although the querent indicates it is her wife’s cousin’s wedding, they should consider the potential pressure other relatives may be placing on the couple as well.
The Moneyist suggests taking a deep breath and expressing their concerns to their wife in a respectful manner. Are there any ways that the querent and their wife could trim the costs of attending without sacrificing the overall experience? Is the couple comfortable with their current financial situation, and are there other obligations that could be fulfilled first? Additionally, could the couple contribute to the wedding in other ways, such as offering to help plan or cover smaller expenses?
The Moneyist offers a parting point that the querent should not allow themselves to be bullied into attending any event because of what other people believe. Ultimately, both people in the couple must be comfortable and agree with the financial decisions posed. Everyone has different economic backgrounds and responses to spending money, and when it comes to memorable events like a destination wedding, it is important to take into account the individual finances of each party.
