Between the delicious food, unlimited alcohol, dancing and live music, going to weddings can certainly be fun.
And now, you can attend a wedding whenever you want thanks to a new website that allows you to purchase tickets to strangers’ nuptials.
The new platform, called Not A Wedding Crasher, offers users a chance to fill empty seats at a wedding for a fee.
There are currently 24 weddings available on the site, and prices range from $25 to $150.
Described as ‘a thoughtful way to share the seats that would otherwise go empty,’ the company explains on its site: ‘Nearly every wedding has guest cancellations or venue minimums that need to be met. The flowers are arranged. The meals are paid for. The music still plays.
‘Not a Wedding Crasher helps couples thoughtfully invite verified guests to experience a celebration that would otherwise have empty chairs, creating connection, energy, and unforgettable memories along the way.’
So how does it work? You can browse the available weddings based on date, location or price.
When you find one you want to attend, you can request a seat and provide ‘a thoughtful note explaining why you’d love to attend.’
A new website called Not A Wedding Crasher allows you to purchase tickets to stranger’s nuptials (stock image)
So how does it work? You can browse the available weddings based on date, location or price
‘Couples choose the guests they feel most comfortable welcoming,’ the site explains.
‘All guests complete a secure identity verification through Stripe. Hosts never see your ID or sensitive information.
‘Every experience is designed with transparency, respect and risk-reduction tools in mind, including identity verification, host approval, event rules and reporting support.’
One listing for a couple’s wedding in central Los Angeles, California, this weekend costs $125 per seat, with three available.
It notes in the listing that it only allows entry to the reception and not the ceremony, and that the dress code is ‘formal’ so no sneakers or blue jeans are allowed. It also says that food will be served and an open bar will be available.
Another, for a wedding in Greater Asheville, North Carolina, on Thursday, is only $25 per seat.
It comes with entry to the ceremony and reception, the latter of which will include a buffet-style dinner and a DJ.
The site vows that in addition to verifying identities of guests and hosts, every listing is thoroughly reviewed before it’s published on the platform to ensure it’s ‘authentic.’
‘Not a Wedding Crasher is built around consent, transparency and mutual comfort. Couples decide who joins their celebration, and guests introduce themselves before requesting a seat,’ it adds.
The site was created by San Diego-based couple Jeff and Karina Besen, who explained to Fortune recently that the idea hit them after they ran out of date night ideas
‘Only approved guests receive event details such as venue information, arrival guidance, seating instructions and any celebration-specific expectations set by the couple.
‘This helps maintain a more private, intentional and secure experience for everyone attending.
‘Guests are expected to respect all event guidelines established by the couple and venue.’
The site was created by San Diego-based couple Jeff and Karina Besen, who explained to Fortune recently that the idea hit them after they ran out of date night ideas.
‘One day, Jeff literally looked at me and said, “Hey, wouldn’t it be fun if we could get dressed up and go to a wedding?”‘ Karina told the publication.
It launched in March but recently went viral on social media, catching the attention of thousands across the globe.
Jeff revealed to Fortune that since it started, the platform has 20,000 signups and has already processed ‘tens of thousands of dollars’ in gross seat payments, of which it keeps 20 percent.
‘Some people said it’s crazy, but most people said it’s a really good idea,’ he admitted.