Weddings can be a financial strain for many couples, a sentiment everyone can relate to. However, treating absent guests like they owe a debt is taking things too far. A couple from Minnesota made headlines when they sent a bill to a no-show guest for her missed meal.
Jessica Thompson received a bill totaling $75.90 for two fish dinners she never had the chance to enjoy. Accompanying the bill was a note from the couple that read: “This cost reflects the meals booked for you. We would appreciate a reimbursement along with an explanation for your absence.”
Thompson had been preparing for the big day when her husband received a call informing him that his mother could no longer care for their children. Since the invitation specified “no children,” they felt they had no choice but to skip the event. A few weeks later, they received the unexpected bill. “I’m not sure what the right response would have been,” she reflected.
Planning a wedding is undeniably stressful and costly. However, experienced event planners understand that some guests may not show up, and it’s essential to account for that possibility. Life can be unpredictable. Is a $75 bill worth jeopardizing a friendship? How can one move forward after such an awkward situation?
Lindsay Harper, editor of Minnesota Bride magazine, advised against following up with guests regarding their absences. “It’s not appropriate to question why someone couldn’t attend, let alone send a bill.” If Thompson’s situation truly was last minute, who would want to interrupt a couple’s special day with news about not attending?
If your wedding expenses are so overwhelming that you feel compelled to act like a debt collector, perhaps it’s time to reassess your budget. This kind of behavior is simply unacceptable.
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In summary, while weddings can be expensive, sending bills to guests who don’t show up crosses a line. It’s crucial to maintain relationships and understand that life happens.