Attendants and Guests

Must We Pay for His Parents' Hotel Room?

We’re getting married in Manchester, but my fiancé’s family lives in Devon. His family is insisting that we’re supposed to pay for their accommodations —and we just can’t afford that. What should we do?

No way are you obligated to pay for your guests’ travel costs. But you are responsible for helping make the trip more affordable. Look into group rates at local hotels—it’s easy to score a discount if you’re promising that a block of rooms will be booked. If some of his family members are really financially strapped, ask local friends and family if they can host a guest or two. And try to schedule a few parties, tours or other entertainment, so that guests won’t have to spring for as many meals or diversions.