Hey how about just charging each guest $150 per seat and $300 for VIP seating. Charge an additional $400 for a 30 second dance with the Bride. Then "screw the honeymoon, we're buying a house!"
While you're at it make sure to plan a destination wedding that the entire family is mandated to attend. That way your guests can spend an additional $500 on transportation and hotel rooms.
This is a great idea! (just kidding)
Good lord, when did weddings become this? When we got married, we registered because people asked us to register. I have treasured the gifts that we got. I don't care if they didn't match. Some of my family members traveled hours and stayed in a hotel and only could afford a small gift or check, but who cares??
I have one friend who gave me a check for the amount of the food for her and her fiance. That seems weird. But as I get older, it seems to be that my friends expect that, or figure it's etiquette. So if you are invited to a wedding that is $75 a person, you give a check for $150.
I thought a wedding was a chance to join your fiance in marriage, and celebrate it with your family and friends - NOT a reason to make money. I guess it's just a way to shift money around? As in the old days, the parents paid for the wedding, the guests got a party, and the bride and groom got gifts? So the parents and the guests "lose" money and the bride and groom "get" money.
If you want to get married and have a party, have a party. But pay for the freaking party.
If you want a honeymoon, save up for the freaking honeymoon.
If you are 25, 35, 45, 55, and don't want a bunch of gifts because you don't need them, or are a minimalist, or are picky, write "NO GIFTS PLEASE, your presence is our present". You'll get a few gifts, some cash, and some people will take you at your word. In the end, you'll probably lose money on the wedding if you are paying for it. BUT SO WHAT.