I can't believe that my favorite season of the year is almost here, wedding season. Once we start seeing the first few glimpses of spring weather, I can always expect wedding invitations to start flooding in. And with every wedding invitation that I receive, there is sure to be a shower invitation to follow. I've been invited to so many weddings this year that I'm starting to think the saying "April Showers Bring May Flowers" isn't about rain after all.
I'm a hopeless romantic, so I love weddings. Luckily for me, I'm in the stage of life where all my friends are getting married. As exciting as it is to be a part of my friends' special days, each wedding includes several financial obligations. You have to buy:
- a gift, sometimes two depending on how many showers they have
- a dress/suit to wear for the big day
And if you're a part of the wedding party, the list is even longer:
- A gift, sometimes two depending on how many showers they have
- Flight and accommodations for the bachelor/bachelorette trip. Not to mention all the matching "I do crew" t-shirts, hats, etc.
- Accommodations for the wedding weekend, depending on where it is
- A dress/suit to wear to the rehearsal dinner
- A dress/suit to wear for the big day
Needless to say, weddings can get pricey, both for the bride and groom, as well as their guests. With eight weddings on my calendar already for 2024, I'd consider myself a professional wedding guest. With that being said, here's a list of tips on how to save yourself money while helping the bride and groom celebrate the best day of their lives.
The Gift
If you are attending a family member's wedding, think about putting together a cookbook of family recipes. Or perhaps it's time to pass on a family heirloom, such as a piece of jewelry. If you're not related to the happy couple, be sure to check their online registry for a list of gifts they'd like to receive. Nowadays, most couples even have wedding websites that list multiple places where they're registered. If possible, visit one of their registered stores in person to avoid paying shipping costs. If the store doesn't have the item you're looking for, they may be able to ship it to your store location for free. But don't wait until the last minute to shop. The day before the wedding, the only "unclaimed" items on a registry are likely to be super-expensive.
The Outfit
Weddings are one of the few times a year that you really get to dress up. I love dressing up, so having a specific occasion to wear a fancy dress is typically a good enough reason for me to splurge on something new. But with eight weddings in one year and three rehearsal dinners, I've had to pump the brakes. A great way to save money is by re-wearing an outfit. Chances are, the guests won't be the same at each wedding, so no one will even know you've worn the dress/suit before. However, if you're looking to change things up, try pairing it with a different pair of shoes, jewelry, or tie. Another great way to save is to rent your outfit. There are a lot of great websites that allow you to rent a dress/suit for a night and then return it. This way, you get a new designer outfit for a fraction of the cost.
Accommodations
With destination weddings becoming more trendy, chances are you may have to travel to attend a wedding or two. Traveling during prime wedding season can get a bit pricey. Sometimes if a couple expects several out-of-town guests, they'll block off rooms at a nearby hotel at a discounted rate. So, be sure to check with the bride and groom before booking accommodations. Another great way to save is by sharing a space with other guests. You're more than likely to know another guest or two at the weddings you'll attend, see if they want to split an Airbnb OR suite-style hotel room.
For the Bride and Groom
Although being a wedding guest can be expensive, it doesn't compare to the cost of planning a wedding, between the venue, dress, caterings, flowers, music, photography, etc. It makes my head spin just thinking about it. However, planning a wedding on a budget is feasible; you just have to know where to cut corners and where to splurge. Need help? Check out this guide from BALANCE with wedding cost-cutting charts and tips.
At the end of the day, weddings are all about the love shared between two people and celebrating that love. So, save the money and instead give all the love and support you have to offer.
