theological1988
New member
@mimi24 Usually you are expected to gift the price of your “plate”. In 2023 the average US wedding cost $35k and had 115 attendees. The bride and groom are roughly paying $304 per person on average. A $100 gift isn’t unreasonable if you are in driving distance. If you fly they shouldn’t expect a gift. You can always say no and the bride and groom save more than $100 in costs (there are fixed costs so you can’t allocate all $304 to being saved if you skip the wedding but they would save at least $100). To answer the common, “The wedding is a party for them why do I have to pay” The honeymoon is for the couple, the wedding is for the community around/supporting the couple so it’s expected to help share cost or don’t attend.
The wedding industry was one of the worst hit as far as inflation. Price gouging has happened because there was an influx in couples waiting over the pandemic. Now that the demand has gone back to normal you still have an industry expecting crazy prices.
I imagine the issue with your friend being upset has to do with you being potentially in the bridal party rather than being a simple guest? Regardless her reaction is a bad look by her not you.
Overall tho if you cant afford to come just say no, you saying no is probably the last thing on most couples minds right now. Plus a lot of couples have back ups they can invite to fill the slot if you respond with no early enough.
The wedding industry was one of the worst hit as far as inflation. Price gouging has happened because there was an influx in couples waiting over the pandemic. Now that the demand has gone back to normal you still have an industry expecting crazy prices.
I imagine the issue with your friend being upset has to do with you being potentially in the bridal party rather than being a simple guest? Regardless her reaction is a bad look by her not you.
Overall tho if you cant afford to come just say no, you saying no is probably the last thing on most couples minds right now. Plus a lot of couples have back ups they can invite to fill the slot if you respond with no early enough.