When friends or family members get married it’s always a special time, and being invited to be part of their big day is fantastic. But as a wedding guest, you have more to think about than you probably realize. It’s believed that the average guest now spends over $450! But where exactly does this money go? Here’s where the cost adds up as a wedding guest, and important things you budget for if you’re going to be attending.
Bachelorette Party
If you’re close to the bride-to-be, you’ll likely be invited to the bachelorette party before the wedding. This could just be the cost of a few drinks on a night out, or could be anything from a day at a spa to a weekend away or even a full vacation depending on what the she wants to do.
Outfit
Dressing for a wedding can be tricky. Anything too white, ivory, lace or ‘bridal’ looking is of course off the agenda. You also shouldn’t wear too much black either. Plus you need to find an outfit that’s suitable for both the daytime ceremony as well as the evening reception. It can’t be anything too short or revealing, and there are various other rules and etiquette that need to be followed. For more information and help deciding on an outfit, click here.
Gift
According to Vogue, spending less than $50 on a wedding gift (even if you aren’t close to the couple) is deemed inconsiderate. Close friends and relatives generally pay between $75 to $100. Some couples will have a wedding gift list which you’ll be able to choose something from to buy. For others, you’ll have to decide on something appropriate yourself. Some couples might request money instead towards the cost of their honeymoon. Either way, as a wedding guest this is an expense that will need to be factored in and budgeted for.
Travel
If the wedding you are attending is out of town, or even out of the country, this is a cost to take into consideration. If you’re driving it will be the cost of fuel both ways, if not public transport such as coaches and buses will need to be booked. Doing this as early as possible will allow you to snag the best deals, and so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Hotel Stay
Again if the wedding is far away from where you live, you’re likely to need to stay in a hotel after the reception. Some couples will pay for this if they know you’re traveling a long way, but if not it’s a cost you will have to plan for. Make sure you book ahead, so you don’t end up without a place to stay that evening. Depending on how far you have to travel, you may need to stay in a hotel both the night before the wedding as well as the night after. Make sure you consider travel times, as you don’t want to either be late or turn up exhausted after hours of traveling.
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