Reddit user criticizes wedding couple's cost-saving plan: "Inept plan"

A nightclub was chosen by a couple for their wedding reception, which sparked criticism from a Reddit user.

On the wedding shaming forum page, "OPMom21" expressed their frustration.

Next year, my husband's friend is getting married.

"They have reserved a lavish estate in a costly district for their wedding celebration and meal."

OPMom21 claims that the couple is asking guests to leave and join them at a crowded nightclub in another part of the city at their own expense for dancing and drinks because the venue doesn't allow music after 9 p.m.

The nightclub is one of those places with a stiff cover charge where people stand in line to get in.

OPMom21 characterized the idea as "incredibly stupid" and expressed disbelief that guests would agree to it.

"I believed I had experienced it all, but this takes the biscuit," she penned.

UnsharpenedSwan" on Reddit deemed the plan to be "poor taste" and "absolutely bizarre.

Some people are quite audacious, I suppose," said Reddit user "sass_and_grass.

The burden of enforcing COVID-19 protocols is also felt by the nightclub's staff.

Guests and bar staff suffer when not informed in advance, according to Reddit user "CricketExtreme.

"A quick email or phone call would make all the difference."

Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio, stated via email to Planet Chronicle Digital that it is acceptable for a bride and groom to be financially responsible and have a smaller wedding.

According to Gottsman, the bride and groom are opting to skip the reception and instead invite their friends to a nightclub for an after-party. The guests will be responsible for their own expenses if they decide to attend.

"If everyone agrees on the guidelines, there should be no issue."

Gottsman advised the couple to host a small gathering after the wedding and inform guests of the location, leaving it up to them to decide whether to attend at their own expense.

According to her, a gathering of friends is different from a reception if people simply appear without reservations and pay their own way.

"No issues will arise if everyone agrees on the guidelines."

The issue, according to Gottsman, is that the couple is giving the impression that it's their wedding reception rather than a pay-your-own-way event, which is frustrating for those who spent money on a dress or suit, traveled to attend, hired a babysitter, and sent a gift from the registry for the newlyweds.

According to Gottsman, a better option would have been to host a small, non-alcoholic reception with cake instead of calling a gathering at the bar a reception because it is not. It is a celebration among friends who still want to celebrate, but not under the pretense of a reception.

She remarked, "You're socializing with strangers at a bar, buying your own drinks and spending time with your companions."

According to Gottsman, the bride and groom should not refer to their outing as a "reception" and should not expect guests to stand in a long line and pay their own way.

She remarked that they likely assume others will pay for them, which makes the situation even more insulting.

Gottsman proposed that the couple cover the initial costs of drinks and then have guests pay for their own drinks.

Another option, Gottsman suggested, would be to serve appetizers for guests and have them pay for their own drinks.

She remarked that it added to the festive atmosphere, aligning with the wedding celebration.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the original Reddit poster for comment.