Krunch, what an appalling post – you expect to be compensated…. Good heavens! please just stay away if you feel that way. I agree with the many replies here, it’s a simcha for goodness sakes, you participate because you want to not because, and only if, you get your expenses paid.
We all have simchas, in town, out of town and beyond our ability or finacial capacity to attend so we don’t. We send a card or call and send best wishes.
With your attitude, I wouldn’t want you as a friend at my simchas