So, guess what happened! Emma and James got married last year. Both their families went absolutely all out for the weddingproper English style, you know? Since Emma and James were both the only children in their families, their parents wanted everything to be top-drawer. The couple actually suggested to just gather their mates for a barbecue after the ceremony, but their mums werent having any of it. Theyd been dreaming of the traditional white wedding dress, a carriage, the whole fairy tale, for ages.
In the end, Emma and James realised there was no getting out of the big event, so they rolled up their sleeves and started sorting out the wedding details. There was loads to organise: manicures, makeup, picking out the dress and suit, plus a million little bits and bobs. The parents decided theyd cover all the costs except for Emmas dress and James suit. They managed to book the best restaurant in Oxford, chose a lovely bouquet for Emma, and the wedding cake was baked by a family friend whod been making cakes for decades.
The parents painstakingly crafted the guest list, determined to invite every relativeeven the ones who they barely spoke to! Their reasoning was that these folks were generally well-off and would bring decent gifts. With the money from the wedding, Emma and James could maybe buy a car or put something aside for a flat. After some heated debates, they agreed not to bother with distant relatives. A few relatives made their excuses and didn’t show up, but in the end most of the guests were Emma and Jamess close friends, just as theyd hoped.
On their wedding day, the weather turned out perfect, even though the forecast had said rain was coming. Emma looked absolutely stunning in a silk dress with delicate lace, and James was honestly smittenhe couldnt take his eyes off her all day. Everyone was in high spirits. Their photographer was snapping away nonstop, and the guests couldn’t wait to head to the banquet.
After the photo session, Emma and James climbed into a snow-white horse-drawn carriage and set off for the restaurant. Champagne was flowing, congratulations everywhere, and presentsmostly envelopes stuffed with pounds. Theyd let everyone know in advance that cash was all they wanted, but a few older guests couldnt help themselves and gifted things like blankets, bedding, and dinnerware.
The three-tier cake wowed everyone. It was so elegant, decorated with intricate lace patterns, cream-coloured flowers, and little sugar pearls. The reception itself was really classy, and it wasnt until the morning that sleepy guests said their goodbyes and headed home, while Emma and James retreated to their booked hotel suite.
Next day, when the newlyweds came back to Emmas parents house, her mum mentioned that one of the envelopes was empty. Turns out the envelope came from Sarah, one of Emmas close friends. It wasnt hard to figure out, since hers was the only envelope not signed. Emma felt pretty rubbish after hearing that.
To make it worse, before the wedding, Sarah had gone on about how, these days, you shouldn’t give less than a thousand pounds as a wedding gift, and promised Emma shed definitely help out with some cash.
Less than a year later, Sarah herself was getting married and invited Emma and James to her wedding. She straight-up told Emma to bring cash, hoping the money from the guests would cover the wedding (and then some!). Emma and James were left wondering what to do! Emma suggested they give Sarah an empty envelope as payback. James thought they should go overboard and give her more than expected to make her feel uncomfortable. Emmas mum said to just put the minimum amount in the envelopeafter all, they didnt confront her about what happened, so theres no need to get even.
Now Sarahs wedding is coming up, and Emma honestly cant decide what to do. What would you do if you were her?
