The Weddee, Not the Wedder: How to Budget Wedding Attendance

We’re almost at the time of the year when the weather warms up, the flowers are in full bloom, and everyone you know has decided to tie the knot. This is not an exaggeration. It seems engaged couples decide to pick the end of the first half of the year to exchange rings and become united for all eternity. Thing is, these aren’t the weddings of years prior.

Today’s couples tend to focus on elaborate themes and settings for their nuptials. Sometimes this means dressing a certain way, bringing a certain gift, or traveling to another part of the country or world to attend the service. In many cases the funds for these types of marital events is not covered by the happy couple, thus putting it all on you and your own family. And whether you’re alone or going with your own spouse and children, this can cost a penny that’s prettier than the bride’s wedding dress.

Needless to say, maintaining a budget category for wedding visits is not at the top of most people’s lists, and many are caught off guard by invitations that ask guests to fly out from the West Coast of the U.S. to the Isle of Wright on their own dollar. There are a few ways to get past this and be able to afford to attend some of these festivities, including those that require a bit of travel. Here are a few.

Think About the Future

Remember your first high school reunion and the reaction you had to some of the people that attended? You may have thought of them one way in school but felt totally different when you saw them at the reunion. The same thing can be said for determining if you should attend a wedding. Think about the people you’re going to watch take their vows. Are they very close to you or a passing acquaintance? How do you see the relationship with them in the next 10 years or so? Answers to these questions could determine whether you say yes to the invite or politely decline.

Know When to say No

You’ve been to five weddings in a three month period, with one of them requiring a pricey flight and expensive hotel stay. Now you’re invited to attend another ceremony that requires travel, let alone a new outfit and expensive gift. You’re budget, let alone your bank account, don’t provide the necessary funds to make the trip, so what do you do? You can get a credit card and load it up, which will make you miserable because of all the debt, or you could nicely tell the couple that you can’t attend this particular wedding. In the end the word ‘no’ can save a lot of money.

Avoid the Lavish

Most wedded couples don’t use the gift they’re given to determine the likability of their guests, Should they do so, then they aren’t worth staying in contact with. This means a lavish gift is not necessary, unless it has been planned for in the budget. Look at the couple’s registry for something you know they’ll use everyday. Should that selection not be available, then give them a gift card or other gift that they could utilize on a regular basis.