Weddings!

2 years ago we were invited along to a distant family members wedding. Not to the actual church affair but to the evening part of the wedding where we all had to buy our own drinks and the food was non-existant! We were sent an invitation clearly stating that they did not want any household items as gifts but would be very happy receiving money towards buying a new home. I was a little taken back to be honest. In my day you got what you were given even if it did mean 3 sets of fish knives and 2 toasters! Hubby told me I was being silly about thinking they were being a tad rude for being so to the point regarding the gift, and we ended up giving money to them as a gift. 2 years late needless to say the couple have split up and I can't say I was surprised.

Now call me old fashioned but.... when we got married some 20 something years ago we paid for more or less everything ourselves and wanted to share with our families and friends our new life and how much we loved each other. Material things never come into it. We just wanted the day to be the most wonderful day and it was just the most fantastic day. Seeing as we are both born and bred Londoners we laid on the most fabulous food and drink for our guests to enjoy including jellied eels and pie and mash. We had well over 300 guests at our wedding and never once were they asked to pay for anything!

The reason for this speaking out aloud from me is to ask what you all think. Londoners tend to work on the "if you can't afford it you don't ask everyone along to the wedding" and to never ask anyone to pay for a thing at a wedding. I have been to some of my relations from different parts of the country where we have been given the first drink then expected to pay for the rest all night but food was laid on. Then there was the wedding that we all ended up in the chip shop as we were all so starving hungry as no food at all was laid on. You should have seen the face of the chip shop owner when we all turned up wearing posh hats and corsages.

What are your views on this as I am really curious! :yes: