Money Manners: 'I don't really want to pay $240 for a 'hen's' lunch'

Money Manners is Honey Money's weekly column dealing with money etiquette matters that can be the cause of many an awkward encounter.

Submit your Money Manners questions to Jo Abi at jabi@nine.com.au

This week's question comes a 9honey reader whose friend's upcoming wedding events is causing financial stress.

Dilemma: 'I don't really want to pay $240 for a hen's lunch when most of the cost is for cocktails I won't drink'

My friend is getting married later this year, and I just found out her hen's lunch is going to cost $240 per head.

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I think this is so expensive, and there is an expectation we will all attend.

I don't really want to pay $240 for lunch when most of the cost is for cocktails I won't drink.

But I am finding it awkward to raise with the bride, although some of my friends who I have spoken to agree that it is pretty pricey.

Should I bring this up to the bride and if so how should I bring it up?

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I don't want her to think I am not happy about her wedding and all the events that are happening, But she's not my only friend who is going to get married.

I have bills to pay and am worried about this event and everything coming up in the future.

Advice: There may be a work around

These days it isn't uncommon for people to choose not to drink alcohol for whatever reason. I think the venue where this hen's lunch is taking place may have an option for non-drinking customers.

My advice is to call the venue and ask if this is the case, or ask if they can come up with a option for food only and price it accordingly.

This isn't any different from a dietary preference when you notify the host, organiser or venue of your food preferences and they note it down for you.

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If you do it this way, you don't need to raise it with the bride ahead of the event and hopefully nobody makes a big deal over the fact you are choosing not to drink alcohol, which is becoming more common for health and budget reasons.

And everyone will be focused on having a good time.

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