My friend has decided to have an alcohol-free wedding – I’m annoyed because I’ve forked out £300 for a hotel room when I could have driven

A woman admitted she was annoyed with her friend after she decided to have an alcohol-free wedding after looking for accommodation.

The woman went to the British parenting platform Mothernet to explain that she has already spent £300 on a hotel, when she could have driven if she had known earlier.

She explained that she only found out about it three weeks before her friend's big day and asked others whether the alcohol-free event should have been revealed to guests on the invite as she “would never have stayed even one night” if she had known she had done that. can drive home.

While she complained about spending money she felt she didn't have to spend, many people agreed with her that the bride should have warned her guests earlier that she would not be serving alcohol at the wedding.

The message read: 'So I just found out my friend's wedding in three weeks is alcohol free. I always expected to pay for my own drink on the day, but it turns out they don't have any alcohol at all. This was a shock as they were both enjoying a night out with alcohol and her hen was messy.

'My problem isn't the fact that we can't drink, I'd still go either way – it's that we've only just found out.

'All in all we spent almost £300 on a hotel the night before and the night of the wedding.

“The night before was such that we didn't have to check in after the wedding or at a certain time of the day.

'I would never have stayed there one night if I knew I could drive. Too far for taxis/public transport, but would have happily driven there and back.

'Think of an estate. Plus, it's an hour's drive from home (bride and groom live in the same city as me). I'm trying to cancel, so fingers crossed I'll get some money back.'

The disgruntled guest added that the wedding invitations did not say anything about the celebration being alcohol-free, and asked other people whether it was customary to announce such a detail on wedding invitations.

She continued, “I also know that a few people who are going could use the extra money in the bank, even if they are only staying one night or trying to arrange transportation to and from the nearest town.

'Would it be unreasonable to tell the happy couple to raise awareness before the day? Or is AIBU suggesting this?

The woman took to the British parenting platform to explain that she has already spent £300 on a hotel, when she could have driven if she had known earlier

'She's a really good friend if that helps, and it's not the lack of alcohol that's the problem, it's the extra costs that we didn't really have to spend. Money isn't a big problem for us, but I'm still annoyed that I don't have any money anymore.'

Some wondered if the woman had misunderstood the situation and advised her to check with the bride-to-be again.

One person said: 'That all sounds strange, are you sure you haven't misunderstood? Maybe they just don't offer free alcohol?

'Even at estate weddings there is usually a bar where people can buy their own drinks and you can choose whether or not to buy alcohol.'

Another said: 'If the bride is such a good friend, ask her if it's definitely alcohol-free. Or if she meant that the [bride and groom] do not buy alcohol for guests.

Some wondered if the woman had misunderstood the situation and advised her to check with the bride-to-be again

“If it's completely alcohol-free, tell her you'll help her spread the word, and explain that many people spend more expecting not to be able to drive home.”

While another wrote: 'Are you sure you're not wrong? Since the bride and groom are drinkers, it seems strange.

'A friend of mine said she was doing 'no alcohol, just food' at her wedding, but she meant she didn't buy anything, and as expected we could buy as much as we wanted in the venue's bar on the day.

“Or could it be a joke since her chicken was messy!?” But yeah, if you're sure it's true, I'd try canceling the hotel to drive home.”

Others sympathized with the woman, saying the newlyweds should have explained it to guests earlier so they didn't have to book accommodation.

One person said: 'Many people make hotel and travel choices based on driving and therefore drinking. It really needs to be explained to the guests as soon as possible.

Others sympathized with the woman and said the newlyweds should have explained it to guests earlier so they didn't have to book accommodation

'I wouldn't want to book a hotel if I'd rather be in my own bed when I'm not drinking.'

Another said: 'Yes, if guests don't know they should be informed as that will change travel and accommodation arrangements for some.'

Someone else wrote: 'I wouldn't be happy at all if I had to find a hotel or arrange taxis only to find out it was alcohol free. They need to let people know

'An alcohol-free wedding is a strange option. I can't imagine it will end well for many guests, especially if there is no warning. And yes, I know, their wedding, their choice.'