How Can My Poorer Guy and I Split Wedding Costs?

I earn more than my fiancé and will be contributing more for the wedding. How can I avoid making him feel inadequate?

It’s not uncommon for a woman to make more money than her fiancé. However, it can create a rift in your wedding planning—as well as in your relationship—if he doesn’t feel like an equal partner. To balance things out and stay on level ground, establish a system now that works for both of you. Consider paying for the wedding out of a joint account to which you both contribute. If you make twice as much as your fiancé, you’d chip in, say, twice as much to the kitty. That way, the money’s no longer yours or his—it’s both of yours. And both of you should be equally involved in decision-making no matter who earns more, Once you’re married, these strategies can work with household expenses as well.

If your money disparity is a bigger problem than you can solve on your own, get support. A financial planner can facilitate communication and help you devise good strategies.