How Can I Save Money When Attending Weddings? (Without Being A Cheapskate)

As the daffodils bloom and the trees are budding, wedding bells are a chiming. Sweet, sounds that can also note upcoming hits to our budgets as another wedding season gets in full swing. The truth is, the cost of attending weddings can be huge. If you’re also a bridesmaid, the expenses can be astronomical.

Is there any way to save money when attending weddings of a friend or family member without coming off as a cheapskate?

According to a 2018 Bankrate survey, the average nationwide (US) cost of attending a wedding was:

• $371.60 for a distant friend or family member,
• $627.72 for a close friend or family member, and
• $728.19 for a member of the wedding party.

That total includes gifts, showers, travel, and hotel.

While it’s not always easy to spend less on weddings, planning is critical. Read on for money-saving tips for the wedding season.

Just Say No

Tip #1 is undoubtedly the hardest, but the most cost-effective. Is it necessary or even expected for you to attend every wedding to which you receive an invite?