I'd say your DD should take care of it. However, I don't see a need for a huge amount of decorations...something simple for the table where the bride and groom will be. In fact, if its at a different location the decorations will have to be removed from the church I assume? If so, ask the couple if they'd like them taken to the reception! Then while the B&G are being congratulated designate someone to grab what they want, zoom over to the reception place and put them out.

A simple bouquet of flowers and a few candles or string of white lights with flowers on their table would be good IMO.
HTH Sue!

I would say the bride.

Sue

Well, the arrangements are already not the "norm" (whatever that is these days). Typically the bride's family hosts the reception. So if you're looking for what the right thing, traditional etiquette-wise, the bride's family by default would be paying for the decorations (because they pay for the reception).

For whatever reason that the bride's family isn't hosting the reception and your daughter is, (doesn't matter, as long as all agree), it'd be nice if the bride's family said "well, at least let us pay for the decorations". But since you have offered to pay for the reception, anyway, they may be thinking that that means the whole shebang as it would if that they were doing it. Now, since there is no rehersal dinner that your DD will be paying for, perhaps the better thing would have been to offer to pay herself for the decorations and some other things in order to share in the cost with the bride's family.

Suzieque

I'm confused as to why the groom's parents are hosting the wedding reception. Traditionally, the bride's family does it and I wouldn't think the groom's family would cover the wedding reception just because there is no rehersal dinner.

So, with that being said, I have no idea... But if the groom's family has taken responsibility for the wedding reception (whatever the reason) -- then I would think the decorations for it would fall to them. I would consider it part of the reception costs.

To me it doesn't make a difference where it's held and who should pay. If the bride normally would pay for a hall to be decorated, then she should pay for the decorations at your DD's.

Isn't that normally the fun part about being a bride? Choosing your decor?

Are you talking about a lot of money? To me it seems that when volunteering to pick up the tab in lieu of the groom's dinner, it would be part of it. But it's not set in stone. If it's excessive, maybe ask. But get it settled quickly so they don't start out with hard feelings all around. Maybe make it clear if you think simple decorations are appropriate that the daughter covers it but if the bride or bride's parents want more, they could be asked to kick in on it.

Another option is to seek out someone who likes to decorate and make that their gift. I've known of more than a couple churches who are finicky about removing things. They feel the flowers, etc are to be "donated" to the church after the wedding. So there's always something, isn't there?

Congrats to the B&G and hope all have a smooth and happy day.

This really isn't meant be so complicated.

Actually I raised the question of the decorations for the reception, just to clarify it. My DD will take care of it.

Tradition isn't what it used to be.

I enjoyed reading all the responses.

Cynic, thanks for the well-wishes.

Sue

I did the reception dinners and took care of a few decorations as well for those particular dinners Sue.
I didnt do anything too elaborate,just a few in season flowers and candles(June & Aug weddings)

Congratulations to all Sue..and yes,hopes for a perfect day!