Bride and groom called ‘tacky’ for wedding guest fee — but some say they have ‘zero problem with this’
These newlyweds wanted to have their wedding cake and eat it too.
An anonymous bride and groom earned a takedown in the Facebook group That’s It, I’m Wedding Shaming after sending invitations to their nuptials with a shocking request for their guests, per a Tyla.com report.
The pair were called out for reportedly asking their friends and family to send money alongside their RSVP that would “contribute towards the cost” of their wedding’s buffet dinner reception at rates of up to $40.
“No, no, no, no, no, and no,” the unsigned guest who shared the shocking request in the group captioned the image.
The invitation’s text began by relieving guests from gift-shopping obligations: “In lieu of traditional gifts, we kindly request that you contribute towards the cost of our reception buffet.”
“This will allow us to share a wonderful meal together and create lasting memories with our loved ones.”
It noted that the cost per person would be $40 for adults and $20 for children aged 12 and under.
“To facilitate the planning process, we kindly ask that you include your contribution to the meals when you RSVP. This will help us provide accurate numbers to our venue and ensure a seamless experience for everyone,” they added. “Kindly include your name and ‘wedding buffet contribution’ in the payment reference.”
The matrimonial memo concluded, “Your presence at our wedding is the most meaningful gift we could ask for, and we are truly grateful for your love and support as we embark on this new chapter of our lives together.”
As the name of the Facebook group implies, members therein did not hold back their criticisms and deemed it “tacky.”
“If you can’t afford a wedding, don’t have a wedding,” wrote one appalled wedding planning enthusiast.
However, some made a case for the practical request.
Said one supporter, “I have absolutely zero problem with this, and I think it’s kind of weird that people expect a great meal and alcohol for free but will also complain if the food and alcohol isn’t good enough or if it’s not an open bar.”
Added another, “Is it bad that I actually don’t have an issue with this? It’s a reasonable amount, less than what most people would spend on a gift, and they were clear that they did not want gifts as well as the contribution.”
Despite the couple’s unorthodox approach to financing their big day, guests do have a responsibility to come correct, as outlined by wedding expert Samantha Gilchrist in a recent interview.
The CEO of The Gilchrist Collection, a wedding venue brokerage, reminded prospective marital event attendees that their presence alone is no present, adding that “money for them to start their new life or go towards their honeymoon” is a perfectly appropriate gift.
“It doesn’t matter [what it is], but you never show up empty-handed.”
