So, let me tell you about Claire and James they got married a year ago. Their families went all out and threw this massive wedding celebration. Since both of them are the only children, their mums and dads saw it as an opportunity for the big event they’d always imagined: white dress, horse-drawn carriage, the works. You know, the sort of classic English wedding you see in the movies. Claire and James had floated the idea of just gathering some mates for a barbecue after the ceremony, but that didnt even make it off the ground their parents had dreams of glamour and tradition.
Eventually, the couple realised there was no getting around the big do, so they fully committed and started planning the wedding. There was loads to sort: manicures, makeup, picking out the dress and suit, and all sorts of tiny details that seem insignificant but apparently matter a lot. Their parents insisted on paying for everything except for Claires dress and James suit. They booked the fanciest restaurant in town, sorted a beautiful bouquet for Claire, and James mums friend a legend in baking circles promised to make the wedding cake.
The parents worked meticulously on the guest list since they wanted to invite every relative possible, even the ones they barely ever saw. Their reasoning was simple: those relatives tend to be pretty generous, so the couple would end up with a nice haul, maybe enough for a car or to stash away for a flat deposit. After a heated discussion, they decided not to invite relatives who lived miles away or barely kept in touch. A few dropped out with polite excuses, and the final list was mostly made up of the couples friends, which was exactly what Claire and James preferred anyway.
On the big day, the weather turned out gorgeous, even though the forecast had been gloomy earlier in the morning. Claire looked absolutely radiant in her silk gown with intricate lace details. James couldnt take his eyes off her the whole day she really was stunning. The photographer was buzzing around, snapping away like mad, and everyone was eager for the banquet at the restaurant.
After the photoshoot, Claire and James climbed into a pristine white carriage for their ride to the venue. Champagne flowed, congratulations came thick and fast, gifts were handed over mostly envelopes stuffed with cash. The couple had asked everyone up front for money, but a few older guests couldnt resist gifting blankets, bedding, and crockery instead.
The cake seriously, it was a masterpiece. Three tiers, adorned with fancy icing, cream-coloured flowers, and little pearl decorations. The whole event was properly stylish. Everyone stayed until the early hours, then drifted home tired and happy, with Claire and James heading to their pre-booked hotel suite.
The next day, when Claire and James popped by her mums place, her mum broke the news that one of the envelopes was empty. It turned out it was from Claires good friend, Emily. The envelope wasnt signed, so it was easy enough to figure out whod given it. Claire was really upset; it didnt help that, before the wedding, Emily had been going on about how these days, no one gave less than a thousand pounds at a wedding, and had promised to be extra generous.
Less than twelve months later, Emily herself was getting married, and invited Claire and James to her wedding. She made it clear she was expecting money in her envelope as the couple needed it to cover their wedding costs. Claire and James found themselves wondering what to do: Claire thought they should give Emily an empty envelope like she had, James reckoned they should give more to shame her, and Claires mum advised putting the minimum amount in that way, she wouldnt confront Emily or be spiteful, but still wouldnt go overboard. Now Emilys wedding is looming, and Claire honestly doesnt know what to do.
