A Reddit user criticized a couple for their unusual plan to host their wedding reception at a nightclub. The couple had booked a fancy mansion for the ceremony and dinner, but because the venue didn’t allow music after 9 p.m., they planned for guests to move to a crowded nightclub in another part of the city for dancing and drinks. Many Reddit users expressed disbelief and outrage at the plan, calling it in poor taste and bizarre. One user pointed out the burden it places on the nightclub staff and guests who were not informed in advance.
Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman weighed in on the situation, stating that there is nothing wrong with having a smaller wedding to be financially fiscal. However, she noted that the couple calling the nightclub event a “reception” instead of an after-party where guests pay their own way is misleading and may cause irritation among guests who have spent money and effort to attend the wedding. Gottsman suggested that the couple could hold a small gathering after the wedding or provide appetizers for guests at the nightclub to make the event more festive.
Gottsman emphasized that the couple should not expect guests to pay for their drinks or cover charges at the nightclub for what they are calling a wedding reception. She suggested alternatives such as the couple paying for the first two rounds of drinks or providing appetizers for guests while having them pay for their drinks. This would create a more celebratory atmosphere in line with the wedding celebration. Ultimately, she advised against mislabeling the nightclub outing as a reception and asking guests to pay for their own drinks without any prior information or agreement.
The Reddit user who first shared the story expressed disbelief at the couple’s plan, calling it an incredibly stupid idea. Other users chimed in, agreeing that the plan was in poor taste and bizarre. One user pointed out the lack of consideration for the nightclub staff and guests who were not informed in advance. Overall, the general sentiment among Reddit users was that the couple’s plan was disrespectful to their guests and unfair to expect them to pay for their own way at what was being called a wedding reception.
Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman advised the couple to be clear with their guests about the nature of the event and not mislead them into thinking it is a traditional wedding reception. By providing appetizers or covering the cost of a few rounds of drinks, the couple can create a more festive atmosphere at the nightclub outing. Ultimately, the key is communication and ensuring that guests understand what is expected of them. Mislabeling the event as a reception may lead to confusion and frustration among guests who have traveled and spent money to attend the wedding.
