Who pays when there's a Runaway Bride/Groom?
Somehow, over the years, runaway brides have become a kind of guilty obsession for the general public.
It’s why Julia Roberts made a movie about one, and why the real-life version – that Jennifer Wilbanks woman who bailed on her wedding and went missing in 2005 – become an almost C-list celebrity during her 15 minutes in the light.
Yet what no one discusses with stories like these is, What happens to the poor schlub left on the altar? Who pays for the wedding that’s being, well, run away from?
Such a debate found its way into North American consciousness this week when news hit that a Chicago woman is suing her ex-fiancé for his last-minute wedding bailout.
Dominique Buttitta has filed suit for $100,000 in wedding expenses she alleges her husband-to-be, Vito Salerno, left her on the hook for: $30,000 for the banquet hall; more than $11,000 for flowers; $10,000 for an orchestra; $5,000 for her gown; $600 for wedding shoes; and - wouldn't you know it? - $70.40 for cancellation notes she had to send to the union-to-be’s guest list.
Big bill, sure, yet what’s most intriguing about the failed marriage is what chance, if any, Buttitta has of recouping her losses.
The key facts: the Runaway Groom, in this case, allegedly blew off the wedding just four days before it was supposed to happen this fall. The blame may eventually fall on him, as he’s been accused of engaging in “flirtatious and amorous acts” with strippers at his bachelor party, which is the supposed reason the couple broke up.
Though, will that blame lead to a legal obligation to pay? A hundred grand seems to be the whole enchilada, and – even if a judge rules Salerno is totally in the wrong – why should he be forced to pay more than 50 per cent of the bill?
Certainly, commenters on the Chicago Sun-Times story about the Runaway Groom side with Salerno (“Good for you, Vito!” writes one and “RUN VITO, RUUNNNnnnnnnnnn!!!” notes another) but that’s with this case alone.
Generally, who do you think should foot the bill for last-minute wedding cancellations – the deserted, the deserter or is a 50/50 split most fair?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: Melissa | Dec 18, 2021 1:34:24 PM
Absolutely this man should pay the entire shot. Likewise in a reverse situation I would say the bride should pay for it all. The woman was spending the money on the wedding in good faith. The man was not acting in good faith and it resulted in the cancellation. He should be the sole responsible party for all expenses incurred. If he paid for the rings, he should have them returned to him. Anything bought and paid for that is tangible (dress, flowers or centerpieces, decorations etc already paid for and in their possession) should also be returned to him once he has become responsible for all of the expenses.
He did this woman a favor however by showing the true colors before the wedding. It would cost her much more down the line to divorce a cheating chump.
Posted by: kevin | Dec 19, 2021 7:30:49 PM
50/50 sounds right.
I mean, they both went in to teh whole situation with teh best of intentions. I find it hard to belive that "blame" (that is a poor word to use), rests solely with 1 party.
This matter would be further complicated shoud some of the money be dontaated by parents ect.
Also, although it might be "bad taste" to recycle items for further weddings, if you get to keep the wedding dress for example, why shoul he have to pay for it.
Just because 1 party reailsed that this was a bad idea doesn't mean they should be left with the bill. Such reasonign would lead to people getting married even though they know they should simply because they don't want the financial repercustions.
Posted by: Richard | Dec 19, 2021 9:48:36 PM
Don't know what kind of math the bride's using, but the posted total comes to $56,600.00. What the heck else cost $44K ? Wonder how much of her own money she put into this little extravanganza of hers. I agree with the Chicago Sun posters saying "Run Vito Run". Everyone knows these humungous weddings affairs are born in the woman's subconscious; they dream about these things from the age of 5. NO woman is worth $56K, let alone $100K for a 1... maybe 2 day affair. Maybe Vito's the one who finally figured out that the "soon NOT to be bride" was a money hungry princess. $600. for a pair of freekin' shoes for G sakes. Probably saved himself a heck of a lot more when she would have taken him to the cleaners 7-10 years down the line. Save your money Vito and good luck to ya !!
Posted by: Richard | Dec 20, 2021 1:55:30 PM
Being flirtacious and amorous with a stripper at the bachelor party is not cheating, it is what is supposed to happen. He got lucky and saw her true colors. She should pay half to all the expenses because it really sounds to me like she called the wedding off or at least scared him away!
Posted by: Josef | Dec 20, 2021 3:08:06 PM
She is doing the right thing. Asking for $ 100,000 is probably the only way she can get his attention at this time. Most likely they will settle this in a fair manner dow the road. He probably pays attention only when he gets a writ, so keep pushing til he sits down at the conference table in a law office with a certified check in his hand.
Posted by: William | Dec 20, 2021 6:25:17 PM
I never got past the $100,000 for a wedding! All I can say is run Vito, run, as fast and far away as you can. Like the wise man Richard said, she'll take you to the cleaners not too far down the road.
Posted by: Goingthere | Dec 22, 2021 1:10:11 PM
"Don't know what kind of math the bride's using, but the posted total comes to $56,600.00. What the heck else cost $44K ?"
Don't forget wedding rings, the honeymoon, accomodations for out of town guests, the pre-rehearsal brunch (or supper), the transportation for the wedding party, thank-you gifts for the wedding party, brunch the day after for the gift opening, etc. This lady spent alot of money on what was to be a celebration for the two of them. Most of us cannot afford even the price of that woman's dress (let alone the shoes!), so it is completely understandable that she would want to be reimbursed for all the time and money that she spent on that event!
Posted by: shesaid | Dec 23, 2021 4:56:13 AM
I think he should definately pay up. Weddings are costly and he should help out. He should also pay for her suffering.