When in doubt, it's better to write one than not.
* The bride's name goes on the wedding invitations first because her father is giving her away to his future son-in-law and it's an old tradition dating back centuries when a dowry (gifts from the bride's father) would be given to the groom. The parents of the bride also pay for most of the wedding.
No it is not mandatory. Some parents (could be the bride to be's parents) may have the groom, bride, their parents and the wedding party out for dinner in the evening a few days before the wedding, but this is not mandatory either.
There are many things that can be written in a wedding card from parents of the bride. The letter should include well wishes for the marriage.
Traditionally no. The bride and groom enter as Mr. & Mrs. followed by the wedding party and the parents can follow behind or go ahead and mingle with the guests before the bride and groom enter the wedding reception.
The parents of the bride are very hapy.
they do, gosh
Traditionally, the bride's parents have paid for the wedding, but this is much less adhered to nowadays. It is quite OK for both sets of parents to contribute if a mutual arrangement is reached, or for the bride and groom to foot or partially foot the bill.
If the parents have paid for the wedding and reception and the wedding is canceled and the bride does not have the funds to pay her parents back for the expense then unfortunately the parents are stuck with the bill. If the bride can afford it then yes, she should offer to pay it back. The parents may decide not to take the money or they may be happy to receive it. If the parents gave the bride and groom money before the wedding to put towards a honeymoon; towards a house, etc., then yes, the check or money should be given back to the parents.
On the wedding day, the bride starts early in the morning with the wedding makeup and hairdo. Bride and groom get dressed at their homes (usually in their parents' homes). The groom, groommen and parents leave for the church. Bridesmaids and bride's mother also leave first to the church. Bride and father come a bit latter as the father leads the bride down the aisle.
No they just give them a big wedding gift
* If you know the parents or a relative of the bride and groom and you received an invitation then you should go to the wedding even though you don't know the bride or groom or, you also have the choice of giving an excuse as to why you can't attend if it makes you uncomfortable. If someone was invited and asked you along as a guest then it's your choice to go or not go and if you do you don't need to give a wedding gift, but your date or friend does.
Only custom dictates this, and if the parents pay , the Bride must follow their financial guidelines. It is not the law in the U.S.