Can't afford to be a wedding guest?!

Throwaway3754

So looking for opinions on this..
Just got invited to a wedding in September, it's a couple that are part of the friends group but I wouldn't be overly close with them.
Anyways it's looking like I can't afford it.
I have my sister's wedding, my son's first birthday, I'm going back to college and a night away for my mam's birthday (please don't say to sacrifice this, it'll be my first night away in a year and I'm living for it 🙈) all in that month as well.
Is it just as simple as RSVPing no and letting them know I can't afford it? Or are us Irish people just too proud to admit it and rather go in rags and drink tap water all night

Atlantic Dawn

Just RSVP as soon as you can and say that sadly you can't make it and wish them a great day, no need to go in to any explanation.

beechwood55

Just decline. No big deal.

wordofwarning

As you said, you are not close friends. So I don't think any explanation is necessary.

stinkle

If youre friends but not that close, they probably felt they couldn't NOT invite you but wouldn't be put out if ye couldn't make it. Mutual happiness.

We have tons of abroad relatives and had to invite them all to our wedding but were hoping against hope that most of them wouldn't travel for it, and were delighted when declines came through as expected. The only annoying bit was dealing with the flaky "oh we're still looking into flights/time off". We just wanted a straight answer! Now I'm the one living overseas and have had to decline a few this year - I felt bad for one family one, but spoke directly to the relative with plenty of notice and she was grand about it. Turns out they're a bit oversubscribed too.

Every wedding has declines, as long as you let them know in plenty of time then it's no bother.

Larbre34

I know from experience we had a few guests who declined whom we would have assumed would come and likewise a few marginals who accepted right away, but we were far too preoccupied with the matters at hand to get into a big analysis of it all, we just appreciated people telling us promptly, one way or the other.

Just politely decline with an RSVP as soon as you can and wish them well, everything else is your personal business.

harr

No need for explanation just RSVP with a simple unfortunately we can't make the wedding and we hope you have a fantastic day.
If you know the couple well enough maybe a small gift to mark the occasion, doesn't have to be cash or anything huge.

Yes just RSVP no, if the couple are half normal they won't mind and they will appreciate the earlier you do it too. You shouldn't feel guilty, it's only an invitation you are not offending anyone. Enjoy your mams birthday, that should be your priority

Spanish Eyes

Thanks so much for the lovely invitation.

Unfortunately, we are unable to attend on the day. We wish you every happiness and hope you have the best day ever.

love X and Y.

I hope no one recognises this, because it is my go to decline.

pwurple

It's not a summons.

Just RSVP and politely decline.