I've just received an invitation for a debut from my niece. (yeah more and more god-daughters and nieces are turning 18 these days) And while leafing thru the content of the invitation, I noticed how far too different it is today and how it has evolved into something more practical and more direct to the point.

CASH ONLY - I've received wedding and debut invites where they bluntly indicate their intention to receive cash instead of gifts. And they sugar-coat it into sentences like "if you wish to give us a gift, a monetary one will be more appreciated"; or "if you intend to bring a gift, I'd be more delighted to share it with my favorite charity in the form of cash.".

Yeah right. Gives you an impression that you are compelled to pay for your food when you attend the affair. Lol. But hey, these days, it's better to be practical than having loads of unnecessary stuff adding up to the clutter in your house. And it also saves you from going to the mall and look for a gift while you can readily go to the nearest ATM in your neighborhood and withdraw cash.

TABLE FOR TWO - This sometimes become a major issue between close-knit families. While they already pre-arranged your seat, it also implies that you are not supposed to bring an extra mouth to feed into the affair. Believe it or not, I've had invites telling me "we've reserved 1 seat for you at table no. 1001." Again, practicality wise, this is a more polite way to ward off uninvited guests and avoid the hassle of paying for additional food and tables. But more often than not, guest turn out is lesser than expected.

RSVP - Always present in every invitation. RSVP. While this is a must in other countries such as the US, I guess our culture isn't ready yet for RSVPs. Though some more open-minded guests automatically respond upon receipt  of the invite for the simple act of following instructions. And this is also a great favor for the celebrants - ya know,  they can invite other people in lieu of your presence if you inform them ahead of time that you cannot make it.

DRESS CODE -  whether it's a strictly formal affair or just a casual-come-as-you-please dinner, there will always be somebody who'd show up either over-dressed or out of place. But honestly, an invitation with a "strictly formal" dress code automatically discourages me from showing up. Well, from a self confessed tightwad, I find it unrealistic to spend a few thousand bucks for a formal dress that you only get to wear once or twice in your lifetime. But then again, regardless of the dress code, most people show up clad in anyway they like. Formal or Casual, what the heck right?

I must say though, that every time I receive invitations, there's only one thing on my mind - another unbudgeted expense coming up. Or in a more appropriate word -gastos na naman. Hahaha.