A couple is labeled ‘tacky’ for their wedding invitation, with a small detail sparking an intense debate over wedding etiquette.
A woman recently revealed she was invited to a ceremony where the bride and groom asked guests to pay for their own meals.
The invitation stated that the couple was not expecting “traditional gifts” but wanted guests to send them $40 per adult and $20 per child when they signed up.
The guest was shocked when she noticed the details and immediately shared an image of the invitation on the popular Facebook group ‘That’s it, I’m wedding shaming’.
“No, no, no, no, no and no,” she captioned the post.
The guests stated that the couple expected the guests to pay for their own meals
‘Instead of traditional gifts, we kindly ask you to contribute to the costs of our reception buffet. This allows us to share a delicious meal together and create lasting memories with our loved ones,” the invitation reads.
The cost per adult is $40, and for children under 12 it is $20.
The invitation continued: “To facilitate the planning process, we kindly ask that you include your contribution to the meals when you register.
‘This will help us provide accurate figures to our venue and ensure a seamless experience for everyone.
‘Transfer the money directly to our bank account as soon as possible. Please state your name and ‘wedding buffet contribution’ in the payment reference.’
Although the couple said their guests’ presence was the “most meaningful gift they could ask for,” many still criticized them for expecting “compensation” for attending the event.
“If you can’t afford a wedding, DON’T HAVE A WEDDING!” said one, while the other asked, “Why are people obsessed with living beyond their means?”
One woman wrote: ‘Just say ‘no gifts’ and leave it at that. You don’t charge people to attend your wedding.”
‘I couldn’t imagine charging people for food at a party I’m throwing. If you as a host can’t take care of your guests, don’t host a wedding. Running away somewhere or something!’ said a woman.
Some took issue with the way the suggestion was worded.
“Paying for your own dinner is a steal for a wedding gift, but asking people to transfer money to your bank account is insane,” one woman wrote.
‘The fact that you have to pay for it with the RSVP makes it tasteless. I’m not sure how early in advance this is, but I’ve seen weddings canceled a week before the date. Would they then refund all their guests?’ said another.
But others claimed it was a ‘brilliant’ idea.
“Honestly, $40 is less than I would give as a gift, and it’s very clear to me that they don’t want gifts – so it’s a bargain!” said one.
“It’s a reasonable amount, I’m not mad about it at all,” wrote another.
“My sister had forty people who didn’t show up. That was 40 extra plates she paid for. I think this is also reasonable!’ one shared.