Some of my good friends who I'm unable to invite to my small wedding have offered to pay for themselves simply because they want to go. There's definitely space at the venue, and I would love to have them there, so I'm considering taking them up on the offer on the condition (or at least suggestion/request), that they don't buy any gifts. Their presence alone, and effort to come, is really a huge gift to me.
At the same time, I feel like it may be kind of tacky to let people pay for themselves. The process of collecting that money may be kind of awkward. I just don't know if that's a line I should cross. Opinions?