Newlyweds Issue $240 Invoice to No-Show Wedding Guests

Weddings can be financially daunting affairs, and this couple certainly felt the weight of it when some guests who had confirmed their attendance failed to show up. Taking a bold stance, they decided to address the issue head-on by sending those who had RSVP’d but didn’t attend a bill totaling $240.

The move caught the attention of many when an image of the invoice surfaced on social media, with the user thweddat sharing it with the caption, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a wedding reception invoice before lol.”

The due date for payment was set a month after the invoice was issued, indicating the seriousness with which the couple regarded the matter. It was revealed that the wedding, held at the Royalton Negril Resort & Spa in Jamaica, incurred a cost of $120 per guest.

When doubts arose about the authenticity of the invoice, the couple behind it, Doug Simmons and Dedra McGee from Chicago, stepped forward to confirm its legitimacy. They spoke openly to the media about their decision, with Doug expressing how disappointed he felt when guests who had confirmed their attendance failed to show up, admitting it made him “feel some kind of way.”

Originally posted on Doug’s Facebook, the invoice included a note explaining its purpose: “This invoice is being sent to you because you confirmed seat(s) at the wedding reception during the Final Headcount.” It continued, “Because you didn’t call or give us proper notice that you wouldn’t be in attendance, this amount is what you owe us for paying for your seat(s) in advance.” The couple provided options for payment via Zelle or PayPal and requested the recipient to confirm their preferred method.

The move sparked a debate among observers about its fairness. Some sympathized, citing similar experiences of wasted resources at their own weddings. Others criticized the couple’s approach, viewing it as an imposition on guests and potentially damaging to relationships. One Twitter user even joked about returning the invoice.

The incident stirred discussions about the etiquette of RSVPs and the responsibilities of guests in honoring their commitments to attend events.

Doug Simmons, a small business owner in Chicago and the groom behind the controversial invoice, acknowledged that their actions might have seemed petty to some, but he clarified that it wasn’t about the money. Instead, it was about the deep sense of disrespect he and his bride, Dedra, felt when guests who had confirmed their attendance failed to show up to their wedding.

The couple had invested significant effort and resources into financing a wedding with over 100 attendees, including expenses for their destination wedding in Jamaica. Simmons emphasized the frustration they experienced, having repeatedly confirmed with guests whether they could attend and receiving affirmative responses each time.

The couple’s frustration stemmed from the lack of communication from guests who confirmed attendance but failed to show up without any notice. Doug Simmons expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that a simple message stating inability to attend would have sufficed.

Their decision to send invoices for the no-shows reflects their feelings of being disrespected and taken advantage of, especially when additional costs were incurred due to the unannounced absence of guests and their plus ones.

As for their next steps if payments are not made, the couple hasn’t specified, leaving some uncertainty about potential repercussions for relationships with those guests. It’s clear that this incident has strained their trust and possibly damaged their connections with those involved.

The situation raises questions about wedding etiquette, communication, and the responsibilities of guests in honoring their commitments. What’s your take on the matter? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss with others to gauge their perspectives as well.