Depending on your past experiences, receiving a wedding invitation in the mail could either stir up feelings of excitement to see your loved ones tie the knot, or a sense of dread as you start to mentally add up all the expenses associated with the event. There are potential travel costs, a new outfit to fit the season and dress code, plus gifts for the shower and the wedding itself.
But it is possible to focus more on the feeling of joy and less on the cost of being a wedding guest. It simply takes a bit of planning and adjusting of expectations so that you feel comfortable with every financial decision you make leading up to the big day.
Why Being a Wedding Guest Costs More Than Ever
It’s no surprise that planning a wedding can be an expensive endeavor. What’s often overlooked is how much it can cost for guests. According to The Knot, the average wedding guest spends $610 on each wedding attended – and that number continues to rise every year. On top of outfits and gifts, guests often also shell out for travel and lodging, extra events, child care, pet care, and more. You can expect to spend even more for destination events, which now account for 17% of all weddings.
However, there are ways you can cut back on those expenses while still enjoying a special day with your friends and loved ones.
6 Ways to Save as a Wedding Guest
#1: Set a Budget Before the Invitations Start Rolling In
The average engagement length is 15 months, which means you can roughly estimate how many weddings you may be invited to attend in a year based on who got engaged the previous year. Even before you receive an invitation, you’ll probably hear about family and friends who said yes and are chatting about their nuptial plans.
That’s when it’s time to start setting aside some extra cash and creating a budget for those can’t-miss celebrations, instead of waiting for the official invite. And if you get an invitation for a couple you’re not particularly close to? You have our permission to politely decline.
#2: Be Strategic About Travel and Lodging
Many couples send out a save-the-date card long before the invitation, especially if it’s a larger event or at a destination location. If travel is required, start tracking flight and hotel prices to save as much as possible. Also check to see if you have any credit card rewards or perks you can put towards your travel costs. Avoid waiting until the last minute so you have ample cash to put towards your trip. If you can’t afford the long-distance travel, submit your RSVP as soon as possible. Loved ones should understand that not everyone can afford the trip or time off from work.
#3: Save Money on Wedding Guest Outfits
It’s tempting to buy a new outfit for every wedding. But that can quickly add up, especially if you have more than one ceremony to attend each season. Start by shopping your closet to see what you already own. Alternatively, consider purchasing one new look that works for multiple weddings. No one will notice if you wear the same dress twice (and who cares if they do?).
If you’re committed to a new look for every event (or different weddings call for different levels of formality), explore a clothing rental service that lets you borrow an outfit for a fraction of the cost of purchasing it new. Plus, you can send it right back instead of letting it collect dust at the back of your closet – new look and zero clutter for the win!
#4: Reserve Your RSVPs for the Most Important Events
Wedding celebrations often extend beyond the ceremony and reception. You may be invited to a bridal shower plus a bachelor or bachelorette trip. Additionally, the wedding itself often extends to events before and after, like a welcome happy hour the night before and a brunch the following day.
If any of those events put a strain on your budget, concede prioritizing the big day itself. Remember the true celebration is watching the couple say, “I do.”
#5: Get Creative With Your Wedding Gift
Gift spending should align with your personal financial situation; it’s not a reflection of your love for the couple getting married. Look at registry items within your budget or explore other ideas. For instance, you could give a cash contribution you’re comfortable with or a meaningful handmade gift to commemorate the day.
#6: Collaborate With Friends
You don’t have to tackle wedding season alone. Get together with friends to help cut costs. For instance, you could split a vacation rental to save money while also setting yourself up for fun memories. Another money-saving option is to split a more expensive registry item with a group of friends. Want to mix up your outfit without spending any money? Try a clothing, shoes, or accessory swap to mix and match your looks.
The Bottom Line
At first glance, it can feel expensive to be a wedding guest these days. But when you take a moment to look at your budget and prioritize the people and events that matter most, you’ll find that you can pare down costs to make the experience more affordable. As with anything in life, it’s important to set boundaries and stick to them so you don’t go into debt over someone else’s wedding.
Written by Lauren Ward
Lauren Ward is a personal finance writer who is passionate about helping people simplify their financial decisions. Her work has been featured in outlets such as USA Today Blueprint, CNN Underscored, and many more. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.