@Debra Law,
Debra Law wrote:
I suggested to my hubby that we send them the money we would have paid for air fare, rental car, and hotel accommodations to attend the wedding and then just skip going. He still wants to go and I'm sure he will be generous. As I would be to my own beloved nieces and nephews. But, I wouldn't be equally generous to a former co-worker.
We did just that this past weekend.
Well, it was someone local, but neither one of us really wanted to go. We like the groom a lot, but honestly aren't all that into being social around strangers.
The couple was using this website called Zola where you can buy whatever gifts the couple has registered for and just have it mailed to them. In their case they already had an option to contribute to their airfare.
I added onto what we would have given to them as a gift the amount I was saving by not having to go out and buy a dress and shoes (I don't work anymore and only wear casual clothes).
As far as I'm concerned, it worked out well for everyone. They got more money for their honeymoon, and we didn't have to shop or stress over going to an event we weren't into.
Re the entitled bride, depending on the mood I was in, I might have attempted to cancel the original gift check. Not out of spite, but because of a lack of gratitude.