Well my DH and I paid for our wedding ourselves so God bless those girls that have the luxury of parents to pay or help. If your parents can help out great, if not, they can't. A gift to your parents is probably not required, but up to you and your budget. As for the MIL from hell, you guys are paying for her trip already. If she wants a diamond necklace as well, select a Cubic Zirconia from Claire's and wrap it up in a nice box and present it to her. I swear people with the entitlement issues really need to get a grip..