One couple’s RSVP request is raising eyebrows across the internet. In a now-viral post, the bride’s future sister-in-law outlines how the couple has requested their guests pay a sum of £180 (about $233) up front to reserve their spots at their upcoming wedding.
“So my sister in law announced that her wedding (this summer) was going to be a weekend-long affair a couple of hours away from where we live,” the jilted family member explained. “Invitations recently went out and my husband and I were a little shocked to see that alongside RSVP info was bank details to pay £180 to secure our place at the wedding!”
She then explained that her family had planned to stay on the grounds of the venue for two nights, so the fee would likely be used for that purpose. “I understand what this money will probably go towards this,” she continued, “but I just feel it’s a bit ‘off’ and bad etiquette.”
However, one of the most shocking factors of all was that the venue was already being covered by the parents. “My MIL [mother in law] was shocked as she is footing a lot of the wedding bill,” the woman wrote. “And when SIL [sister in law] sounded her out in this, she asked SIL not to ask for money off immediate family in this way.”
The same person wrote that she will still pay the sum out of support for the couple. “We will pay as we wouldn’t want to miss it for the world,” she concluded, “but just wondered how others would feel about this?”
Users then sounded off on Netmums.com. “I think it’s incredibly bad manners. It sounds like a business arrangement rather than a wedding,” one person wrote. “If I was you, I wouldn’t go, out of principle as much as anything else.”
“I personally would pay the venue directly,” another person added. “That way you are 100% sure of where the money is going.”
While securing spots at venues are a different situation, it’s typically advised to withhold from disclosing monetary discussions on any invitations or save-the-dates. If a couple is requesting cash, products or experiences on The Knot Registry, it’s recommended that have it readily available on their wedding website where all of your loved ones can see full details about a couple’s story, their wedding day details and more.
Start your wedding registry here.
