I asked a guest to cover the cost of their seat when they cancelled their place at my wedding a week before – now it’s the topic of a heated debate

An Australian bride has sparked a heated debate after asking a wedding guest who canceled at the last minute to refund her the cost of their chair.

The woman said someone who responded yes at the reception informed her that they would no longer be able to attend a week before the wedding.

She wanted to know if it was acceptable to ask the invitee if he could cover the non-refundable cost of his seat.

Hundreds were divided over the bride's conundrum, with some thinking she was right, but others calling the request 'rude' and 'unreasonable'.

The newlywed shared her dilemma with podcaster Victoria Devine of She's on the money saying someone had said yes to her wedding but backed out a few days earlier.

A bride has split hundreds after asking how to ask a guest to pay for their seat after they pulled out of her wedding the week before (stock image)

“I'm sorry, I know we responded yes and the wedding is next week, but we just can't afford to travel interstate right now. I hope you understand, I would have loved to be there,” they wrote in a text message.

The woman wanted to know how best to ask the person to reimburse her for the amount it would have cost to attend the wedding.

Weddings in Australia cost an average of $36,000 Money smart with the average venue costing approximately $170 per head.

The cost per person includes the meal, drinks and a small portion of the venue costs for each person.

Opinions were divided almost immediately, with 51 percent of She's on the Money fans saying guests should pay the cost of their late cancellation.

53 percent of respondents said they would be happy to cover the cost of their cancellation if they previously answered yes when asked.

Hundreds were divided over the bride's riddle, with some thinking she was right, but others calling the request 'rude' and 'unreasonable' (stock image)

Hundreds put in their two cents, while many claimed the act would be “weird” or “gauche” and said the bride should “accept the loss” and “let it go.”

'You have already paid for everything, whether the guests come or not. It's a bitter pill, but you have more important things to focus on for the week!' replied one listener.

“It feels weird to *ask* someone to cover the chair. This makes even inviting them seem like a transaction,” said another.

'No, those are costs for the bride and groom, just like any other function. If the bride and groom feel so strongly about it, that's a bitter way to look at it,” a third wrote.

“Why would a guest pay to cover seat costs? You have the wedding you can afford! In no way should a guest be expected to pay the cost of a seat or provide a gift if they cannot attend,” a fourth added.

However, many people found it more than acceptable for the 'negligent' guest to pay the bill.

'The guest should have planned and budgeted when he received the invitation and answered yes. Totally their fault and while I wouldn't ask them to cover their seats, I think it's perfectly reasonable to do so!' said one user.

One person thought that guests who cancel at the last minute should immediately offer to pay for their place.

'It's about being polite, courteous and a good friend, but also about recognizing all the time, effort and money (in this economy!) that went into planning the wedding AND the privilege of being on the invite list.' , they said.

“The couple getting married can always refuse if they don't think it's necessary, but to be honest I don't think it's up to them to ask because they're the ones being kicked out.”