From the lighter side of politics, it seems even President George W. Bush can’t escape the paternal rite of passage of shelling out big bucks for his daughter’s wedding - all while being shut out of the planning.

In preparing for the upcoming wedding of his daughter, Jenna Bush, and her fiance, Henry Hager, the Prez was asked how the planning is coming along.

His classic response: “It’s coming along like I have nothing to say about it, that’s how it’s coming.”

“Really?” asked Today’s Ann Curry. “They’re not letting you do anything?”

“They’re letting me spend money,” George W. Bush said.

Par for the course for a father of the bride, we’d say.

Henry Hager, 29, will wed Jenna Bush, 26, this spring.

For her part, First Lady Laura Bush told The Washington Post:

“Jenna and I have been having a really good time planning the wedding … It will be small, private, just what Jenna wants. It’ll be lovely and simple.”

Jenna Bush and Henry Hager tie the knot May 10 at the president’s ranch in Crawford, Texas, according to the White House.

The couple’s engagement was announced in August.

The President may experience deja vu when Jenna’s twin sister, Barbara, gets engaged. Though he may be numb to the process by then.

As for potential future First Daughter weddings, only Barack Obama is off the hook (for awhile, anyway), with his girls only nine and six.

Both Chelsea Clinton (27) and Meghan McCain (23), on the other hand, could set their families back big bucks any year now!