Out of town wedding, his family can not afford to come, can we offer to help?????????

[AngelaandChris]

I am originally from New Jersey. And my Fiance is from Illinois. Well after much though and consideration, we have decided to have the wedding in my hometown. Now, this is the problem, his family members that we will be inviting do not have a lot of money, and he is concerned that they will not attend and it will only be my family members at the wedding/reception, and i don't think thats fair for him. I brought this issue up to my parents (since they are paying for everything) and they suggested giving the guests who plan on attending a travel voucher to help with the cost of travel expenses... has this been done before? i dont want it to seem tacky to give someone money to attend my wedding and i also do not want to hurt anyone's feelings by offering them money. Anyone have any suggestions??? please HELP!!! Thanks, Angela and Chris :bbconfused:

[The Wedding Diva]

While a nice gesture, I'm kind of on your side. You may put some people off. Have you booked everything already? I am in a similar situation as you, as well. Is it at all possible that you can have the wedding in IL? Is it possible that Chris can contact his family and ask what their plans are, or if you can help make arrangements (i.e., some travel together, arrange for a group bus trip if its not too far, etc)?

[rainbowtreat]

I don't see a problem with it. I guess it depends on the kind of people they are. IF we could afford to we would help my FH family memebers make the trip. We are also having our wedding in my home town in Maine. He is from WV. His mom and grandmother will be there we know for sure but not sure who else. He knows that alot of people wont be able to make it. And he is ok with that. So talk to your FH and find out how he feels and what type of people his family is. I know my family would love help with travel expenses. Who wouldn't?

[CindySue]

This is a tough one......while our family members would love help with expenses if they had to travel that far, but I do know people that would be offended. Gewn (rainbowtreat) is right on the fact that it would probably be best to talk to your FH and find out if his family would get offended.

[LaceyinPgh]

I think that you are being very generoud. But, who all would you include. Maybe just keep the offer to your FH's parents, siblings, their spouses, and maybe grandparents. I wouldn't worry about including aunts, uncles, cousins, ect. That would be insane. Just stick to that small group and tell them it is their "thank you" gift for participating in your wedding.

[Kacie_bride]

If you can afford to do that and they wouldn't get offended, then I would do it. But you know a lot of hotels will book things for a group rate. Then maybe you could arrange a nice, but affordable, breakfast for them on your wedding morning or something so they may not have to pay for foood that day. That might be better than actually giving them a voucher.