When my cousin was getting married, they sent out a “save the date” before the actual invites.
As the date got closer, I messaged her, just checking when the invites were coming so I could RSVP. Honestly, I was worried mine got lost in the mail or something.
That’s when she told me they decided to have a small Vegas wedding, and were only inviting 10 people because they were tight on money. No judgment from me, I get it.
But then, the very next week, I got another message from them. When I opened it. I GASPED. It was a notice that
they were accepting “monetary wedding gifts” from those who originally received a Save the Date—even if we weren’t invited to the actual wedding!
My jaw dropped.
They didn’t have the budget to invite me, but they had the nerve to ask for money?
At first, I thought it was a joke. But no—the message was completely serious, even including a Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App link so guests could “contribute to their special day.”
I stared at my phone, fuming.
I wasn’t worthy enough to attend, but my money was?
Oh, I was about to have fun with this.
My Response
I typed back, keeping my tone as sweet as honey.
“Oh my gosh, I totally understand! Small weddings are so intimate and beautiful. I’m sure it’ll be amazing! And what a great idea to give people a way to contribute even if they can’t be there!”
Then I paused before adding the best part.
“Since I’m not attending, I’d love to send a thoughtful, personal gift instead of money. Expect something super special in the mail soon!”
Then I hit send.
Time to get creative.
The Perfect “Gift”
Instead of sending money, I went thrifting.
I found the ugliest, most gaudy, secondhand wedding-themed knickknacks I could get my hands on.
A cheap, outdated bridal figurine from the ‘90s? 
A random, dollar-store champagne flute that said ‘Bride’ in pink glitter?
And the final touch? A framed photo of a Las Vegas wedding chapel I printed off Google.
I wrapped it all beautifully in fancy paper, making it look expensive.
Then? I shipped it straight to them.
The Fallout
A week later, my phone blew up.
My cousin messaged:
“Um… thanks for the… gift? But we were really hoping for monetary contributions.”
I grinned, typing back:
“Oh no! I thought you wanted thoughtful gifts from those who couldn’t be there. That’s what I would’ve wanted if I had a small wedding! Hope you love it! 
”
Silence.
Then? She blocked me.
Guess I wasn’t “worthy” of their wedding… or their cash grab.
And honestly?
That was the best wedding present I could have given myself.