Charging or not charging your wedding guests
Your wedding is a unique day of love and sharing. It’s a precious moment to celebrate your union with your loved ones. Is charging your wedding guests really what you want?
It’s no longer unusual to see weddings where guests are asked to pay $70, $100 or $130 per person for dinner and the evening. You may be tempted by the idea, but be sure to consider the consequences.
Asking for money may put some of your guests in an uncomfortable situation. If you want everyone to attend, many of them may have to withdraw. Is this really what you want?
Here’s how we see things at La Distinction.
Dress code and party fees
As soon as your family and friends agree to celebrate this moment of happiness with you, they also shell out money. Of their own accord, they’re eager to respect your dress code.
This often means new clothes, shoes and accessories. What’s more, if your big day excludes children, there are babysitting fees.
Then, many, if not most, go to the hairdresser. Then, many women, other than the bridal party, go for manicures and make-up. Without realizing it, people attend weddings so infrequently that they get all dressed up. They’re proud, they want to enjoy it, and they want to honor the bride and groom.
If you do the math, there’s little chance of people spending less than $100 to $300 each.
You'll be overwhelmed by gifts, even if you don't want to be.
Be aware that your nearest and dearest (for the most part) will be slipping generous envelopes or bottles of alcohol somewhere in the room. So it’s a good idea, even if you’ve expressly said so in the invitation, to set aside a table for gifts.
So here we are with another $50 to $500 expense, per guest, depending on means and family ties. Knowing this. Do you really need to charge for a meal when there are packages, even high-end ones, that are very affordable?
Alternatives for your dream wedding
Often, a few adjustments are all that’s needed to keep your wedding on budget.
- By keeping the same enchanting site, you can request a different date or a different venue to keep costs down.
- A Sunday brunch can be an exceptional wedding experience. Rent a marquee and enjoy a full day outdoors.
- Some wedding venues like La Distinction have ongoing promotions. These include packages that can save you 15% on your wedding at certain times, or $1,000 on a venue at other times.
- By choosing a wedding that’s more intimate than grandiose, you’ll cut costs without compromising the splendor of your day.
To help reduce your guest list
Note that narrowing down the guest list may seem tricky. Here’s a tip: consider the following elements:
- Children: a wedding between adults will have a more relaxed atmosphere and allow for a livelier evening later on.
- Proximity to people: to narrow down your list, consider the ties you have with your nearest and dearest. Even if you get on well with an acquaintance, it’s best to give preference to long-time friends.
- Colleagues: if any of your colleagues are real friends outside your professional relationship, it’s worth keeping them on your list if you’re comfortable. However, you may make some people jealous at the office.
- Family: once again, keep only your inner circle when narrowing down your list.
- Forget the +1s: a single person should come alone. In fact, it would be unfair to add an unknown person to your list when you’re depriving other loved ones of the opportunity. But that’s your decision.
Weddings, a special time for sharing
Finally, you realize that your big day is a special time to share your love with those who mean the most to you. Wouldn’t it be better to adjust your wedding a little to fit your budget, rather than risk offending your guests or leaving a bitter taste with a charge?
Instead, show your appreciation for their simple presence. You’ll see that the memory will be all the more memorable. And don’t hesitate to ask your inner circle to help you prepare for the big day. It’s a gift even more meaningful than a financial contribution. It will also help you manage the stress leading up to the wedding!
