I'm wracking my brain, trying to figure out how to word this on my invitations. This is a VERY small wedding - only 12 guests and they're all extended family. What is the best way to word this, where the guests will know they'll be paying for their own meal?
***Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I'm very glad you asked this question because I was thinking of an appropriate way to do the invitations for my own wedding.
I would not be offended in the slightest by your request. Its too bad that most others would. Apparently it is more appropriate for you to start your new life together in debt. Remember that if they are offended...perhaps it would be best that they not attend at all. I'm sure the individuals who you truly would like to be at your wedding will not have a problem. Best of luck to you.
Where will your reception be held? Perhaps you want to skip a dinner altogether and just serve light finger foods with a cash bar? Or maybe you can say something like, "Guests will unite in honor of the bride and groom at Martha's Restaurant following the ceremony." I think that word will get around that they are to pay for themselves. Are you expecting gifts though? Did you register? Sometimes it gets a little pricey for the guests, too depending on travel and such. Keep us posted on what you decide. Best of luck.
This one is just beyond me. If hosting a dinner for twelve puts you into debt, then there are bigger problems than the question in this post.
And to go so far as to say if the guests are offended then they shouldn't attend, then you obviously don't care much about your guests in the first place. That's not the attitude a gracious host takes. If that's your attitude, then I'd suggest that it be best if you just skip the dinner.
No matter how you look at it, no matter what justification or rationalization you provide, there is no way that inviting your guests to pay for the food at your wedding will ever be approrpriate.
