Ask Polly

Get advice from fast-talking Rova and More FM star Polly Gillespie

Q Maybe it’s just my age and stage in life, but it seems like weddings are bankrupting me! On the one hand, I am thrilled to be invited to so many good friends’ nuptials, but why do they have to be so darn expensive for guests? After shelling out for the presents, the hen’s dos, frocks, travel and all the rest, how on earth am I supposed to save any money?

Aisle be Damned, Auckland A Well, I’m not a huge fan of weddings myself! They are almost always in summer, and usually involve uncomfortable heels, sweating and sunstroke. I must say that the money spent on weddings can be completely outrageous. If I were you, I’d get a couple of wedding outfits – maybe a plain cream dress and a simple red frock – and I’d wear them to everything with different accessories, hairstyles and shoes. As a present, you can’t go past a plain, elegant glass vase from Briscoes or The Warehouse wrapped in lovely tissue paper (as cheap as $10!). Don’t feel that you need to buy something from the bridal registry. I once found myself at David Jones at the last minute with only two options – either a $400 pot or five teaspoons. Ridiculous. Q My husband is a good man, but from the way he avoids the kitchen, you’d think he was some relic from the 1950s who comes home to his pipe and slippers. I work full-time, yet I do the cooking. How can I encourage him to make dinner now and again?

Over It, Rotorua A Don’t cook dinner.