Wedding announcements bring joy—and often financial questions that keep parents up at night. According to personal finance advisor Kathryn McCall from CAPTRUST, the amount parents should contribute depends less on what’s expected and more on what won’t compromise their own financial security. Before you write any checks, take a step back and ask yourself three critical questions: Do you still carry consumer debt? Would contributing mean taking out a loan? Would it negatively impact your retirement plans? If the answer is yes to even one of these, contributing cash isn’t the right move, and that’s okay.
The good news is that financial contribution isn’t the only way to help. McCall suggests exploring“sweat equity”—using your time and effort instead of money. Maybe you’re preparing food and desserts for the reception, designing and creating invitations, managing decorations, or handling other specific tasks. These contributions are deeply meaningful and allow you to be part of the celebration without stretching your finances.
For parents who are in a solid financial position and want to contribute money, McCall recommends a clear and boundaries approach: choose a specific dollar amount you’re genuinely comfortable giving, provide it upfront, and let the couple do the work of budgeting with what they have. This teaches valuable financial lessons while preventing the awkwardness of unlimited expectations or assumptions. Your retirement security matters more than wedding perfection—and that’s a conversation worth having early. What role are you thinking about playing in your child’s wedding day?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
