Since the catering was priced "per head", it was a couple of hundred extra dollars. I didn't have to give the final count to the caterers until the day BEFORE our wedding, so a last minute phone call or email would have been appreciated.
But, we didn't send them a bill.
I don't understand this (seemingly) more and more common phenomenon; to be thought of highly enough to have been invited to (arguably) the most important day in a couple's life, accepting the honor of the invitation, then deciding, no, I think I would rather Simonize my cat that day than show up.
I don't get that thinking at all...
Your caterer made "extra" money by not having to serve as many people and the people who didn't show up lost out on a "free meal" (not to mention the celebration of your wedding ... or the birthday party in question).
But you -- and the mother of the birthday boy -- did not suffer a "loss". Sure you would have paid less to the caterer if you knew ahead of time ... but absent a contract that guaranteed attendance I don't think this is actionable.
Makes me that that “wedding crashing” might be doing the party a favor.
“But, we didn’t send them a bill.”
But will you invite them to your next wedding?
My wife, now of 38 years, and I had a long time friend give us a finely wrapped empty box for a gift.
He came alone, enjoyed the superbly catered reception. He was sent a thank you card as did everyone. Although I continued to work, have lunches and coffee breaks with him, we never discussed it.
Yes, He knew that I knew.
It was a great wedding and reception but caused 4-5 divorces! ;^}, ;^}, ;^}
As often as not, that works the other way. Folks do not send the RSVP but just show up. This is such basic etiquette, hard to imagine folks can’t take a minute either to respond or to call to say they can’t make it after all. Terrible manners. I really don’t want anyone who’s that rude as a friend.
Aunt Betty and Cousin Sue should have scooped up the leftovers and taken it home along with all the party favors, center pieces and tableware they stuffed in their purses. Seriously, someone should have taken it home. You could have had it for your one year anniversary along with the cake.