OP, a 25-year-old woman, went to her colleague’s wedding after being informed that there were no guest fees. However, when she arrived, she found out that the food menu had prices on it and everything was pricey.
She Asked if She Could Go to McDonald’s
She didn’t have enough money for the meal and asked if she could make a quick stop at McDonald’s instead.
You’re Trying to Bring Me Down
The bride got upset and accused her of trying to bring her down by saying she’d rather eat at McDonald’s.
They Asked Her to Leave
OP reminded the bride that she was told there were no guest fees, but the bride replied that she meant there was no attendance fee. The bride asked OP to leave the wedding, which she did, feeling hurt.
Not Tactful
Later, OP asked her boyfriend and friends if she was wrong, and they agreed that it was not tactful of her to do that at the wedding and that she should have just paid her colleague back later.
The Bride Lied
Despite feeling guilty and embarrassed, OP still thinks her actions were justified because the bride lied and publicly humiliated her.
Unusual Practice
Readers in this thread were generally confused at the fact that there was an expected payment in the first place. This seems like a very unusual practice, particularly for a wedding.
What Did Other Guests Think
“I’ve known about events like birthday or wedding dinners that everyone knows is a paid event in advance, like at a restaurant. But never one that charges people at the door by surprise. What did other guests think, I wonder?”
It’s Highly Unusual Behavior
It is right that for large and significant events, there are a number of guests, that the food is arranged and paid for in advance. Therefore, having a menu and being expected to pay is highly unusual behavior in the first place.
The Debate
There is a great discussion about the unusual practices of this wedding. Mainly because of the initial statement that there was no attendance fee which is also very unusual to expect.
Readers Were Up in Arms
Readers were up in arms about the attitude of the bride, considering they were expecting guests to pay for their own food.
“And if you DO expect guests to pay for their meals, do not act surprised/offended if they decide not to and go elsewhere. Especially considering how bad wedding food sometimes can be.”
An Excellent Point
This is an excellent point. They explain that if guests are expected to pay for their own food, then there should be no concern over how they get it. If the venue is overpriced and potentially terrible, then there is no reason to expect one’s guests to stay and pay.
Shouldn’t Be Forced to Pay
Guests should be free to spend their own money as they please, which includes buying more affordable food from somewhere like Mcdonald’s. Most are in agreement that they should not be forced to pay for food at the venue they have to attend in the first place.
She Could Have Been More Discreet
Almost all the commenters agree that this is an unusual scenario. However, some do disagree on how discreet OP was at getting food from another location.
I’ve Heard of a Cash Bar, but Dinner?
“I have heard of a cash bar, but dinner? I vote that you are not the jerk. Although I would have just not eaten, slipped away to McDonald’s, had the Big Mac, and returned after I had eaten. I wouldn’t have asked the bride for permission.”
It’s the Brides Day
There are several in agreement that there should be some care for the bride’s feelings. Everyone is allowed to plan the wedding they would like to have. Therefore, some have suggested that the bride is free to do as she prefers.
She Could Have Been More Subtle
Although most still disagree with her practices, they mention that OP could have been more subtle in her actions. She would have been better off slipping away to eat her meal and then reattending the wedding.
It was maybe the wrong move to inform the bride of what they were doing, which ultimately was what caused the issue.
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