wedding guests – Topical Fruit

If you’ve paid for a wedding lately, you know booze isn’t cheap. 57% of couples spring for an open bar, but the average cost of alcohol at a wedding is around $2,400.

So that might help explain this new trend: credit card machines at the bar.

One couple in the U.K. went all in, using card readers like the ones you see at restaurants to help pay for their honeymoon. They also had QR codes posted with the message: “Don’t be tight, pay for our flight!” Then they funneled the money into their honeymoon in Mexico. (So yes, you were technically buying them margaritas before they even left the country.)

They didn’t share how much they made, but they said their guests “absolutely loved it.” (Which might be true… after the third gin and tonic.)

To be fair, they did this instead of accepting wedding gifts. The couple had been together for 14 years, already had a home and appliances, and didn’t really need another air fryer. They just figured it’d be more fun, and more practical, to let people swipe for their shots instead of wrapping up a blender.

The credit card company said they’re hoping this catches on at other weddings. Because nothing says romance like tapping your AmEx while the DJ plays “Shout.”

And honestly, what’s next? Venmo requests from the bride during the bouquet toss? A QR code on the cake that says, “Chip in for the frosting?” Maybe the best man will pass around a contactless reader during his speech… like a church collection plate, but with more tequila shots.

The average wedding now costs $33,000, which works out to about $284 per guest. That’s a lot of money to feed Aunt Carol, who will still complain that the chicken was “a little dry.” And it’s really hard to find ways to save a meaningful amount of money.

But now, there’s a new French app called Invitin that basically lets you sell tickets to your wedding.

Before you clutch your pearls, it’s not about charging your friends and family admission (although, let’s be honest, a few relatives would deserve it). This is for strangers… actual paying wedding crashers. You pick how many tickets to sell, price them anywhere from $100 to $200 (or more if your venue is fancy), and then let randos come eat your food, dance to your playlist, and cry during your vows like they’ve known you since kindergarten.

It’s not a total free-for-all, though.

Couples can “approve” ticket buyers after seeing their profiles first, and guests must follow a strict code: dress nice, show up on time, drink like an adult, and keep their phone in their pocket unless they have permission to post.

So, basically, they have to act better than some actual family members.

There are some obvious logistics to figure out. The wedding planner has to seat these people somewhere (maybe “Table 9: The Misfits”), and alert the photographer so you don’t end up with an album full of, “Wait, who’s that?”

Right now, Invitin is just a small French startup, but if it takes off, you can bet it’ll hit the U.S., or inspire something similar. Give it a couple years and you’ll be RSVPing “Yes” to a wedding you found on Eventbrite, showing up with a gift card, and telling the bride, “I loved your ceremony. By the way, what’s your name again?”

Tag: wedding guests

Wedding Trend: Credit Card Machines to Collect Gifts

They didn’t share how much they made, but they said their guests “absolutely loved it.” (Which might be true… after the third gin and tonic.)

You Can Reduce the Cost of Your Wedding… By Selling Tickets?

Couples can “approve” ticket buyers after seeing their profiles first, and guests must follow a strict code: dress nice, show up on time, drink like an adult, and keep their phone in their pocket unless they have permission to post.