Paddy,
I know what you're saying.
I accepted the invitation to be a God parent way back. The date was given to my wife when I was away skiing with the boys, and she forgot to tell me.
When I told her about going to Sebring, she said "no problem, there's nothing on that weekend". that was on the phone whilst at work.
So I book the flight, go home that evening, go to the calender to put in S E B R I N G in big letters, and hey presto, there it is, in black and white..... "Wills Christening".
Family comes first for me, especially as I have already accepted the invitation to be a God parent.
Sebring will still be there next year, even if my 450 quid isn't!
Like I said, have fun one and all.