Being engaged is supposed to be a blissful time for couples, but budgeting for the wedding can turn it into a stressful mess. There’s the venue, the outfits, the catering, the band, the cake, the flowers and more. And nobody wants to start their marriage atop a mountain of debt!
So when one person’s cousin offered to photograph their wedding as a gift, they graciously accepted. But what they didn’t know was that they would be hit with a massive bill for the photos only a few months later. Below, you’ll find the full story that was recently posted on Reddit, as well as a conversation with Jhona Yellin, Editor at Bespoke Bride!
This couple was under the impression that they had been gifted wedding photos from a relative
Image credits: Kenny Eliason / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
But a few months later, the photographer decided that it was time for them to pay up
Image credits: benzoix / Freepik (not the actual photo)
Image credits: volodymyr-t / Freepik (not the actual photo)
Image credits: October_Surprise56
“When a ‘gift’ service suddenly comes with strings attached, or the ‘free’ turns into a demanded fee, it’s a painful reminder of how gift-giving can become incredibly complicated”
To learn more about this situation, we got in touch with wedding expert Jhona Yellin, Editor at Bespoke Bride. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and discuss whether or not it’s a good idea to accept free services from friends and family for your wedding.
“Honestly? Generally, no. It’s rarely a good idea to accept a full wedding service like photography or catering as a ‘gift’ from a loved one,” Jhona noted. “While the intention is usually pure, the execution can lead to a chaotic mess. The lines between ‘gift’ and ‘professional service’ quickly blur, creating a breeding ground for misunderstanding.”
“This can lead to unmet expectations, difficulty giving constructive feedback, and even shocking demands for payment, as our Reddit friend learned the hard way,” the expert continued. “It’s like trying to untangle fairy lights after Christmas – messy, frustrating, and prone to breaking.”
So what are the biggest risks of accepting an offer like this from a loved one? “Strained relationships and a lack of professional safeguards,” Jhona warned. “When a ‘gift’ service suddenly comes with strings attached, or the ‘free’ turns into a demanded fee, it’s a painful reminder of how gift-giving can become incredibly complicated.”
“It all boils down to clear communication!” the wedding expert shared. “Beyond the potential for awkward payment discussions, professional vendors have contracts, liability insurance, and backup plans; well-meaning amateurs often don’t. Is that worth risking a treasured relationship over? I’d argue not.”
Next, we asked Jhona if there’s anything couples can do to try to mitigate these risks. “If, and only if, you find yourself in a truly unique situation where accepting a service from a loved one feels right (perhaps they’re a genuine, full-time professional in the industry), then you must treat them exactly like any other hired professional,” she told Bored Panda.
“Professionals have contingencies; ensure yours does too, or be prepared to manage the unforeseen yourself”
“This means a clear, concise contract outlining every detail: deliverables, timelines, and explicitly stating ‘no payment, this is a gift’ if that’s the case,” Jhona explained. “It’s not being rude; it’s being smart and protecting both sides.”
She also says that, beyond a solid agreement, it’s key to set crystal-clear expectations. “Be realistic about their skill level and capacity, and always, always have a Plan B for critical services,” the expert warns. “What if their camera breaks, or they get sick? Professionals have contingencies; ensure yours does too, or be prepared to manage the unforeseen yourself.”
So what can couples do if they find themselves in a situation where they must politely decline an offer like this?
“This is where your diplomatic skills shine! Start by genuinely thanking them for their incredibly generous offer,” Jhona suggests. “Lead with gratitude: ‘Oh, [Name], that is so incredibly kind and thoughtful of you to offer! We truly appreciate you thinking of us in such a big way.’”
“Then, pivot to how much you want them to simply enjoy the day as a guest,” she continued. “‘Honestly, what we really want is for you to be able to just be there with us, celebrating and having fun, without any of the pressure or work that comes with [their service]. We want you to be a guest, not a vendor!’ You can subtly add that you have a ‘very specific vision’ or have ‘already secured vendors’ if needed.”
And if they’re truly insistent on contributing, Jhona says this is your graceful moment to redirect their generosity. “After expressing how much you want them to relax, you can smoothly say, ‘If you’re still keen to celebrate us with a gift, we’ve actually put together a registry to help us set up our new home or plan our dream honeymoon, etc. – perhaps something from there would be a wonderful way to contribute?’”
“This allows them to still feel part of your journey in a way that truly helps you. You can find more info in our article about curating a wedding registry,” the expert added.