Weddings are expensive, with tens of thousands spent on the regular. At many weddings, there is an unspoken rule that those attending should bring a present or give money to the newlyweds.
However, would it be acceptable for the bride and groom to charge their guests to attend?
Recently, a wedding invitation poster went viral on social media platforms as the groom and bride appeared to be charging their guests to attend their wedding.
The wedding reception on December 25 2022 at The Light House, Penang, charges guests in terms of attendance, food and even to take a picture of the bride and groom.
The price list goes as follows:
- Entrance ticket: RM50 per person
- Buffet: RM50 per person (eat till you’re full)
- Pictures with the newlyweds: RM20 per piece
- Song requests: RM3
- Karaoke: RM5 for 2 songs
However, if you give a gift to the newlyweds, the prices will be discounted by 50%.
Debate on whether or not it is reasonable
The poster made its way onto social media and drew mixed reactions from netizens. Some users praised the couple for implementing the charges as it is fair to do so, seeing as weddings are becoming extremely expensive.
They showed support for the initiative and wished this was more normal than it currently is.
One user pointed out that Chinese and Korean weddings are similar. “Attendees pay per table or head if they were to attend. So that table is theirs from start to finish. Guests PAY to come.”
However, many users condemned the practice and said that it goes against the very point of having a wedding ceremony in Islam for Muslim weddings.
“This is the opposite of what is traditionally practised in Islam. You have ceremonies with the intention to feed people no matter if it’s 100 or 1000 people,” said a user.
Another said that if you can’t afford it, then there’s no point doing it. “Weddings are considered as donations. If you want the money back (it’s better for) you to start a business and not a wedding.”
“Is this a wedding or a business? As if someone is sponsoring the wedding ceremony. So stingy,” stated another user.
It’s fake!
Despite all of the attention it managed to capture, it was revealed that the poster was fake. According to a netizen who contacted the hotel, they also confirmed the ruse! Thank god, phew!
What do you think of this? Do you think that it is a good idea to charge guests to attend your wedding?
Also read: M’sian Sparks Debate On Treating Weddings As Transactions After Complaining About ‘Angpau’ Money
