Groom Plans to Have Guests at His Third Wedding Pay for Their Own Meals

A groom is planning to make his guests pay for their own meals at his wedding.

A woman shared in the Dear Abby column that her husband’s best friend, “Herb,” is planning to get married for the third time.

To save money for his third wedding, Herb suggested that “the attendees pay for their meals.” The woman said this was a terrible idea.

“I told my husband that Herb is setting himself up for failure again. (Not to mention he’s having his fiancée sign a prenup like he did with his other two wives),” she wrote. “I’m beside myself just thinking about it.”

She pointed out that most wedding guests have their own expenses, which could make them less likely to attend. She asked, “what will his fiancée think when people send their regrets or don’t bring a gift?”

The woman said she was “ready to override” her husband’s suggestion to stay silent and “educate” Herb about proper wedding etiquette. She added that he was otherwise “a super guy, very nice and well-mannered.”

“I know for a fact that his cheapness destroyed his second marriage and a later relationship. Both women complained profusely to me before storming out,” the woman shared, then asked Abby if she should “educate Herb.”

In response, the columnist noted that Herb was likely “not doing what he’s doing out of ignorance,” but because he wanted to. Abby suggested the woman could help in smaller ways.

This might include quietly advising his fiancée to have the prenup reviewed by her own lawyer to avoid surprises or even giving her one herself.

Charging wedding guests isn’t a new controversy. In April, one couple charged a $200 “entrance and gift” fee, causing some invitees to skip the wedding.

For a destination wedding, someone shared in March that the bride and groom asked “everyone to attend the welcome party” and cover their own accommodations, including hotel, transportation, and food. The person described this as a “tacky” move.