Newlyweds bill guests who missed pricey reception meal: Fair, or bridezilla move?

After a Minneapolis couple had to miss the wedding reception they RSVP’ed “Yes” to because, at the very last minute, their babysitting plans fell through, they were surprised when a bill for the meal showed up weeks later. In a note with the bill, the newlyweds said, “This cost reflects the amount paid by the bride and groom for meals that were RSVP’d for, reimbursement and explanation for no show, card, call or text would be appreciated.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jessica Baker told KARE 11 of her reaction when she got the $75.90 bill. “It listed we would have had two herb crusted walleye and then there was also a service and tax charge.”

Jessica said she was in a tough situation when, while getting ready for the wedding, her mom had to back out of babysitting. The bride and groom already specified children weren’t allowed at the event, so Jessica didn’t feel like she had any choice but the miss the celebration. She explained, “I guess I don’t know what the right answer would have been. What the right thing to do would have been.”

Minnesota Bride editor and wedding ettiquette expert Sarah Baumann Rogers agreed it was a difficult situation — but said the newlyweds were acting inappropriately.

“Under no circumstances should you choose to follow up after the fact…kind of questioning why they couldn’t attend or much less sending a bill,” she said. She added she understands that weddings are expensive, but advised to “prepare for about 10 percent of overage or underage when you’re planning a big event like that.”

Almost everyone else who is commenting on the news station’s Facebook post about the bill seems to agree. A few suggested sending the couple Monopoly money, making a donation to a food bank instead, or asking for a refund on the wedding gift when the couple divorces. For her part, Jessica said she doesn’t plan to pay the bill…but the other inevitable cost is that of her former friendship.