Wedding Expectations Gone Wrong: Bride Insists Guests Pay Their Own Way
Are you ready for a wild ride into the world of wedding planning gone wrong? Then, get ready to hear about a bride causing quite a stir with her outrageous demands for her guests.
Expectations Gone Wrong
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
These days, people have all sorts of wild expectations surrounding their wedding day, but this story takes the cake.
Is She Deserving of the Title of Bridezilla?
Image credit: Adobe Stock.
This bride, affectionately referred to as a “Bridezilla,” is expecting her guests to foot the bill for their dinner plates and the wedding venue. It’s a move causing quite an uproar, and many people question what is appropriate regarding wedding etiquette. Let me take you through the details of this story.
Unexpected Wedding Invitation
Image credit: Adobe Stock.
A woman we’ll call Sarah received an unexpected wedding invitation from an old university fellow. The two hadn’t spoken in two years, as the acquaintance had cut off all her single friends, claiming she was “too good” for them and could only have engaged or married friends.
An Invite with a Bill?
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Upon receiving the invitation, she noticed that at the bottom of the invite was a bill for $400 to pay for the venue and an additional $150 for the meal. In the area where she resides, it is typically the responsibility of the bride and groom or their family to pay for the venue and food, not the guests.
Was She Singled Out?
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The acquaintance had also invited 20 people, all visible in the “send all” part of the email, and it was clear that she was being invited solely to help cover the cost of the wedding. Sarah felt it was disrespectful and insensitive, especially considering the previous falling out between the two.
Thanks, But No Thanks!
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
So she declined the invitation and later received a message from the bride inquiring about the decline. Sarah explained that it was not financially possible to pay for the wedding. Mutual friends later disclosed that the bride only invited her as a final option.
Was She Only Invited to Meet Venue Minimums?
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The venue required a minimum number of guests for a discount, and the bride needed help finding enough attendees. The bride’s fiancé also had many friends, who she felt overshadowed her own, and she wanted more people there for her.
Was She Right to Be Offended?
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Sarah insisted the bride’s actions were selfish and thoughtless and that it was impossible to rekindle the relationship. She notes that you can only reap the benefits of a relationship if you put in the effort to maintain it. “You cannot harvest bare fruit from a tree you never watered.” Is she right? Here’s how the internet responded.
Many Wouldn’t Pay $550 To Attend Anyone’s Wedding.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Many expressed shock and disbelief at the request to pay $550 to attend a wedding, stating that they wouldn’t even consider paying such an amount for someone they liked, let alone someone they hadn’t spoken to in two years. One further noted that if a couple cannot afford their wedding, they should not expect others to contribute financially.
Reply All
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Another suggested that Sarah should hit reply all on the email and ask, “Who the heck invites someone to a wedding after telling them two YEARS ago that we can no longer be friends because ‘I can only have engaged friends now’… then dares to invoice me $550 to be a guest at their event? No. I’m not attending. And, send all!”
Only for a Close Friend
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
One user shared that they paid around $300 to attend a wedding, noting that the expense was primarily for a new outfit as they had yet to wear formal attire in years. They stated that they would only consider paying for the meal if it was for a close friend and made it clear that they would not pay for the venue if they were simply guests.
Never Heard of This
Image credit: Adobe Stock.
Finally, many in the thread confessed that they had never heard of charging your guests to attend the wedding. However, one noted, “There’s an unwritten rule that guests should give equivalent to cover the meal and drinks, maybe a little more.” Still, no one thought charging guests $550 to attend was reasonable. “Did she still expect gifts too?”
Understanding Wedding Costs
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Recognize that hosting a wedding can be expensive. However, the burden should not fall on the guests. If budget constraints are a concern, consider cost-effective alternatives like reducing the guest list, choosing a less expensive venue, or opting for a buffet over a sit-down dinner.
Importance of Clear Communication
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Communicate any out-of-the-ordinary requests or expectations tied to the invitation clearly and respectfully. However, asking guests to bear the cost of the wedding is generally considered inappropriate.
Respecting Relationships
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Invite someone to a wedding to acknowledge the relationship you share, not as a means to meet guest requirements or offset costs.
Gracious Declination
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
If a guest cannot attend a wedding for any reason, including cost, decline the invitation gracefully and promptly, allowing the host to adjust their plans accordingly.
What do you think? Was this Redditor right to be offended, or do you understand sending a bill to your wedding guest list to attend?
This article was inspired by Reddit and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Budget Savvy Bride.
The Best Places to Snag Gorgeous Bridesmaids Dresses on the Cheap
Image credit: Adobe Stock.
Looking for cheap and stylish dresses for your besties to wear on your big day? Check out this list of where to shop for affordable bridesmaids dresses.
The Best Way to Save 50% or More on a Designer Wedding Dress
Image credit: Adobe Stock.
Learn the savvy hack to getting the designer wedding dress of your dreams for less than half the retail price!
Wedding Budget Breakdown: See What Real Couples Spent on Their Big Day!
Image credit: JDB on Adobe Stock.
Browse real weddings from savvy couples like you to see how far your budget can go! Use the filters below to browse by color, state, budget, or season.
The Secret to Slashing the Cost of Fresh Wedding Flowers
Image credit: Adobe Stock.
If you want to include real flowers into your wedding day decor, learn the secret tips to saving big on fresh blooms!
The Best Wedding Fonts for Your Invitations, Signage, and More
Image credit: Adobe Stock.
If you’re looking for affordable and beautiful wedding fonts for your DIY invitations then check out some of our favorite fonts.