Wedding Trend: Credit Card Machines to Collect Gifts

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.