So, a very close friend of mine is getting married this year. I love her to death and we practically grew up together. Originally her and her fiance stated they can't afford a really big wedding and are going to have a small affair because they'd rather save for a house...Well how the times have changed since they said that a few months ago.
They are now throwing a big wedding, having invited almost 200 people. The're paying the whole thing themselves (aside from about $1500 the groom's mom chipped in). Now here's where I'm getting a little upset. They've basically, in a "subtle" way, been asking for money for everything! They want a photobooth and have tasked the best man and groomsmen with researching and PAYING for it because according to them, it's traditional for them to assist in planning, etc, etc etc. Then at the bridal party they were asking for donations toward the honeymoon...this one was OK because they raffled off tickets for small prizes (which were given to them for free, but I digress).
Now made of honor is asking all the guests for the bachelorette party to help pay and she doesn't even have anything planned but sent out invites! So far, we'll just be going to male strip club and "we'll see where the night takes us". I'm part of the bridal party and would have been more than happy to assist, besides, if anyone should help financially then I think it's the bridal party...You don't invite guests to a celebration and ask them to chip in, right?
Then the invites! They're basically asking for money in lieu of gifts, which I personally think is tacky no matter what.
Those of us close to the bride and groom are pretty upset, we know they're basically trying to break even by asking for money instead of gifts. They are also going to have a money dance. Their close friends and some family are just appalled! We think it seems like they want this big wedding and they are hoping we'll help pay for it in the end.
Am I being unreasonable or do I have the right to be upset?