Arranging her wedding funding, she offers seating spots to unfamiliar individuals
Weddings on a Budget: Selling Tickets to Strangers
© Tom Wilde/Getty Images By Solina Prak Published on
To ease the financial burden of their nuptials, some couples are venturing into an unconventional approach: selling admission tickets to strangers to attend their wedding ceremony. This novel concept is facilitated by a startup that matches wedding-goers with couples, providing an avenue for those seeking to spread their joy while lightening their wallets.
"It's about sharing our happiness with everyone", Johanna, a future bride, stated on BFM TV this week. Among her 150 guests, 15 will remain strangers, signing up through Invitin, a platform that connects couples with guests after screening each profile to ensure safety for all participants.
As the cost of weddings continues to escalate, many have taken to seeking sponsorship from service providers. But for Johanna and others, what started as an altruistic impulse soon gave way to financial motivation. "It's an extra source of income since the tickets are paid for", she admits.
Buckling Under the Burden
The average expense for a wedding in France in 2025 stands at a hefty €20,100 (based on data from Mariages.net), catering to around 100 guests. This figure, though significant, pales in comparison to the average budget of €7,576 for a wedding in 2024, hosted by an average of 53 guests, according to a study by Crédit Agricole.
The emergence of platforms like Invitin seeks to alleviate these more manageable numbers, connecting couples with the less socially connected for a more inclusive celebration. So, while the wedding industry continues to evolve, couples like Johanna will persist in pioneering unique and creative strategies for reducing the financial burden of their special day.
Expenses and Organization
A French startup, Invitin, has already amassed 700 users in just two months by connecting future newlyweds with guests. Founded with the intention of fostering connections in a digital age, the platform supports people who may have fewer friends or family and feel excluded from large gatherings.
While the startup has yet to gain widespread recognition, other platforms catering to similar needs have gained ground. Guestlist, Riley & Grey, Say I Do, and Greenvelope offer customizable wedding websites, social-like guest communication tools, and RSVP management features to streamline the process of planning a wedding. As the trend of creative wedding financing continues to gain traction, these innovative platforms may soon become mainstays in the industry.
In the ongoing pursuit of sharing their joy and lightening their wallets, some couples are utilizing platforms like Invitin, connecting with guests to offset the financial burden of their weddings. This creative approach to wedding financing mirrors the increasingly inclusive approach of the wedding industry, with platforms like Guestlist, Riley & Grey, Say I Do, and Greenvelope streamlining the planning process for home-and-garden lifestyles.
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