Avoid Having to Crash a Wedding Because You’re Out of Cash

Gift Girl l July 13, 2010 l 0 Comments

It’s summer, and you know what that means…wedding season! Most people have at least one soiree to attend a year, and for those straddling prime-time wedding years (20s and 30s), this number can climb to more than 10 per year!

Gifts, travel, attire…all in all, a wedding can end up being a very expensive occasion for everyone, not just the ones throwing the actual party! Read on for some creative ways to save yourself some moolah…and still get to raise a toast and boogie down on the dance floor.

Attire:

  • Girls, purchase one basic outfit for the entire season and vary your accessories and shoes. The “little black dress” is always versatile. Just stay away from one color…white!
  • Guys, you get off easy here…one black suit should carry you through. Switch up your tie or shirt if you’re itching for a change!


Gifts:

  • Go in on a group gift. Pooling money together means you can get a bigger gift and you’ll save on shipping costs, too! 
  • Offer up a special talent. If you are a graphic designer, offer to help design invitations. Great with a camera? Take engagement pics! The bride and groom may not need another measuring spoon, but a cost-conscious couple will be grateful for any chance to save money on their big day, while also featuring personal touches from their family and friends.


Travel: The bride and groom might understand if you can’t make it to their nuptials in Nepal, but they might be less pleased if you opt out of their special day in New York.

  • Offset travel costs by planning trips well in advance. Airplane tickets are generally cheapest around 90 days out from a trip…but check out sites like BingTM Travel to help predict when your flight will be the cheapest!
  • Rent a private house. They can be much less expensive than pricey hotels, especially with a group. Check out VRBO® or HomeAway® to find the perfect place near the wedding venue!
  • Share, share, share…share cabs, share rental cars, share food…the more people paying, the less expensive for all!

Most importantly, remember to set a budget and stick to it. If you plan ahead at the beginning of the season, it will be much easier to attend the important events without going into debt. And remember, the least expensive option is to not attend…but what’s the fun in that?