Is it rude to ask guests to pay for their meal?

In today's day and age we believe that guests are okay with being asked to pay for their own meal in lieu of a gift. Weddings can be expensive and people understand that.

So long as the Couple keep in mind that some families will have 3-4 people to pay for and keep the price reasonably affordable ($30-$65 per person) you should find that most people are happy to pay for their own meal.

If the Couple's chosen Catering is on the more expensive side, they could always ask their guests to pay part of the meal to help cover the expense.

Another option would be to look for a Caterer such as ourselves who offer payment plans where you can pay over time in order to help keep things more affordable now.

It's certainly not rude to ask guests to pay. However, a caterer will require a difinitive guest list which you will pay for! If some guests don't arrive, they will still have to be paid for so it is better to have collected the money in advance to avoid surprises on the wedding day!

Hi

It is an accepted custom that th guests bring a gift/gift registry or a cash donation/gifts requested on the invitation.  You can not go wrong if ou follow the request on the invitation.  It is traditonally accepted in European culture, this may not be the case in Anglo-Saxon custom. In fact it could be considered offensive. 

When considering a gift - the general considertion tat te vaue of the gift would at least cover the seating cost per person

Although I can totally understand where you're coming from (I felt the same about my own wedding believe me)! I don't think it's possible to ask your guests to pay for their own meal. But maybe you could have a wishing well rather than gifts, that way most at least pay back for their meal :-)

Cheers, 

Adrian - Fat Cats Van 

Yes I think it is rude-

I too think it is unusual - but - are there circumstances around this? I think this is something I cannot answer without knowing the sitiuation, and the people involved etc! And it may be necessary to consider travel and accomodation too! Everyones situation may be different so this is up to you to decide what is right, and appropriate, I think! 

I think it depends on the situation, is it a local wedding or are you required to travel? Also, what you are their for, is it to eat & drink for free? Or to celebrate your friend or family members special day? Unfortunately some couples simply can not afford the full cost of a wedding these days. If it is the latter, then I would suggest a nice card & no need for a present as your presence is a present enough. If you can't afford to pay for the meal yourself, then your best wishes should suffice. 

Yes

Yes I personally believe it's rude.

you decided to get marry not your guest.

no