Couple auctions first dinner plate at wedding for INR 1.3 lakhs for honeymoon trip-- Genius or greedy?

Weddings are usually remembered for heartfelt vows, their tearful speeches, and the joy of loved ones coming together as a couple embarks on a new journey together. But one couple managed to leave the internet completely divided with a bold and rather unusual twist at their wedding reception — they auctioned off the first plate of dinner to fund their honeymoon trip!


The story exploded online after a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), by user @turbothad, revealed how the newlyweds grabbed everyone’s attention during their reception. Just as guests settled down, expecting dinner to be served, the couple made a surprising announcement.


According to the post, they told their hungry guests: “Alright folks, we know everyone’s hungry… So we’re auctioning off the first plate of dinner. Whoever buys it gets their table served first. Proceeds go to our Alaska fishing trip honeymoon.”


And just like that, what should have been a standard meal turned into a mini auction house. Guests quickly got into the spirit, and after a lively round of bidding, one enthusiastic guest ended up paying a whopping $1,500 (around ₹1.3 lakh) for the privilege of being served first.


At the actual wedding, people seemed amused, even delighted, by the playful twist. The original poster followed up with a cheeky comment, calling the move “genius,” especially when selling to “a room full of emotional people drinking on empty stomachs who love you.”


However, not everyone online was impressed. Social media quickly erupted with mixed opinions. Some praised the creativity and sense of fun, while others criticized the couple for what they felt was a rather tacky way to make extra money off their guests.


One critical commenter wrote, “This is absurd and manipulative. People have already spent time, money, and effort to attend your big day. Making them pay again just to eat is wrong.”


Another joked with mock-legal advice: “Bid $10,000 and never pay. A contract entered under duress is unenforceable.”


Yet, others found it hilarious and shared their own quirky wedding stories. “At a wedding I went to, dessert was decided by a rock-paper-scissors tournament. It got intense,” one user recalled. Another person added, “We didn’t want gifts, so we asked guests to donate to charity. This idea is fun in its own way.”


It’s clear weddings are no longer sticking to old-school traditions. Many couples are now adding their own flavour — whether it’s a touch of humour, a creative twist, or a fundraising goal. But as this dinner auction shows, while some guests love the fun and spontaneity, others feel weddings should be about celebration and hospitality, not extra costs.


One thing’s for sure — this couple’s wedding won’t be forgotten anytime soon.