I'm getting married for the second time and rather than guests buy presents, I was wanting them to pay for their own meal at the reception. Any suggestions ??
2006-12-27 00:04:25 · 14 answers · asked by tinkers 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Well, this is a hard one, usually receptions are free to the guests. It also depends on the type of place your reception is being held at. I went to a friend's wedding who had there reception at the Olive Garden and they wanted the same thing. This is how there's was worded: The only gift we want is for you to come to our reception at the Olive Garden although we are asking everyone pays for there own meal. Drinks are on us. It worked for them, everyone from the wedding showed and they still got gifts along with that.
2006-12-27 00:15:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't ask for gifts. So just as you wouldn't put where you are registered on your invitations, you would not even ask that people come prepared to give you the gift of purchasing their own meal. It is inappropriate and in bad taste to assume that anyone will give you a gift for your wedding, even if you are registered somewhere. If you want your reception someplace fancy, then I suggest you change your plans, or pay for the meals yourself. If you don't have the money, then go for something inexpensive such as a backyard barbecue or open house. You can buy food at CostCo or SamsClub -- they have party trays or bulk burgers. Someone else mentioned that most 2nd wedding gifts (if received) are cash, which is true, but you can't ask for it or assume you'll get it, some guests may just get you a card and nothing else.
2006-12-27 08:29:48 · answer #2 · answered by Jenny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry hun, but you can't do that. The reason? A wedding invitation is NOT supposed to bring an expectation of a gift and even hinting at gifts is considered extremely rude ESPECIALLY it it isn't your first wedding. IF guests WANT to bring gifts, that is fine of course, but it should NEVER be expected - and what you are talking about goes beyond expecting gifts straight to DEMANDING that guests cough it up! That is about the worst when it comes to wedding etiquette and is extremely inapprioriate. If you can not afford to feed your GUESTS, then you need to scale back the wedding or change the time so you can have a punch and dessert reception.
PS It's a second wedding - most people are going to give you cash gifts anyway.
2006-12-27 09:34:13 · answer #3 · answered by Chrys 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't think you can ask people to pay for their own meals. Seriously...it's not only tacky, it's just plain rude. And I agree with whomever said you probably won't end up with many guests.
If money is a problem, don't have a traditional reception. Just have a big picnic party in the spring or summer. You could probably ask everyone to bring a dish.
2006-12-27 10:01:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree that it's a little tacky. Just get some lunch meat cheese and buns and do sandwiches and chips. With the cake that will be enough! My friend just did that and people LOVED it! They said it was the first time they have ever ENJOYED wedding food. Even with a buffet it's usually cold by the time you talk to everyone on the way back to your seat! This way it doesn't even matter! Surely with the money you get as gifts you could pay for that kind of food! Good Luck and congrats!
2006-12-27 10:03:25 · answer #5 · answered by miss allison 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instead of having a sit down meal why not have a buffet as I dont think many people would be prepared to pay for their own meal even if it means they dont have to pay for a present. A lot of people now adays just ask for money / gift vouchers so why not request these and then you can use any cash you given against what you have spent.
2006-12-27 08:14:21 · answer #6 · answered by Tracey B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no way to correctly word that you want guests to pay for their meals instead of gifts, mainly because that is not the correct thing to do.
2006-12-27 11:09:50 · answer #7 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion is not to do this. If you cannot afford to host a reception, don't have one or cut back on the number of guests. What you are wanting to do is rude and tacky.
2006-12-27 08:30:15 · answer #8 · answered by Lydia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not request that they pay for their own. That is terribly tacky.
If you are concerned about money, then scale down your plans.
Also, when both people are combining their homes into one, guests are more apt to give gifts of cash. Another thing to improve your chances of getting gifts of cash....do not register anywhere. People will then have limited options for gifts.
2006-12-27 08:11:03 · answer #9 · answered by ME 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry but that sounds very tacky...why bother with a reception if you can't afford to feed your friends and family?
2006-12-27 08:12:40 · answer #10 · answered by kamsmom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋