Weddings in 2025 are more expensive than ever. My aunt who’s been coordinating them for over a decade, says couples need at least $80,000 to get the full experience, covering the venue, catering, flowers, the works. With prices like that, it’s not surprising that some couples look for ways to cut costs. But cutting costs shouldn’t mean cutting corners on basic human decency.

This couple asked their friend, an experienced musician (and unfortunately for them, also a lawyer), to perform all of the music for their Catholic wedding mass. He agreed, thinking he was helping friends and would be treated as a guest. But as the wedding approached, he realized he hadn’t received an invitation. When he asked about it, the bride told him they had to trim the guest list and he didn’t make the cut. But that didn’t mean they he was off the hook. They still expected him to show up, rehearse, and perform.