A newlywed American couple has gone viral after revealing that most of their guests failed to attend their wedding, leaving them emotionally distressed and financially strained.
Gray Narvaez-Dragion, 19, who uses they/them pronouns, shared the experience on TikTok, explaining that 88 guests had confirmed attendance but fewer than 40 ultimately showed up on the day.
In a video that has since attracted millions of views, Gray expressed heartbreak over the empty seats and unused reception arrangements.
Footage from the ceremony showed rows of vacant tables prepared for guests who never arrived.
Gray, who posts under the username @grayanxiety and is based in Iowa, married their partner Nyx.
The couple said they were forced to cancel several planned activities, including a sparkler send-off, a private dance, and portions of the dinner reception due to low turnout.
They also disclosed that they had spent approximately £22,000 preparing for what they expected would be a full celebration.
Much of the budget, they said, went toward guest-focused details such as customised magnets, handmade soap samples, and spell jars crafted by Nyx.
In follow-up posts, Gray described sitting with their partner in the near-empty venue and crying after the ceremony.
They also shared that they had recently lost their job, adding to the financial pressure caused by the unexpected turnout.
The couple’s story has drawn widespread sympathy online, with many social media users expressing outrage over the no-shows and offering support.
Some followers have even volunteered to send wedding gifts to help ease the couple’s financial burden.
