03/04/2026
Would you pay?
Weddings are more expensive than ever — the average U.S. wedding now costs tens of thousands of dollars — but does that justify asking guests to pay $75 per plate for their own reception dinner? Traditionally, hosting means covering the cost of the experience you’re inviting people to share. Guests already factor in travel, attire, gifts, and time. When the financial burden shifts onto them, it changes the tone from celebration to transaction. At the same time, couples are under real financial pressure and trying to balance dream weddings with economic reality. The bigger question isn’t just about being “cheap” — it’s about etiquette, expectations, and whether modern weddings are becoming more about image than hospitality. Where do you stand?