Money Saving 101: Being a Wedding Guest

Today's blog was written by Lindsey.

As wedding season approached we talked about how to save money if you were having a wedding – but how do you save money if you are going to wedding? Have you ever had a moment of panic when looking at seven or eight wedding invites and wonder ‘how am I going to afford all of this?’ As bad as we might feel, sometimes weddings can get expensive for us as the guests as well (especially if you are in the bridal party)! Here are three practical ways you can save some money while still enjoying a wonderful day and giving the bride and groom all they deserve. 

First, if you have multiple invites really look at them and do some calculations. Are they in town or away? Obviously weddings that require travel, hotels and meals while traveling are going to be more expensive for you to attend than a wedding in town. Every bride and groom is going to understand if you simply cannot afford flight and hotel to come to their wedding! If you cannot, then send them a nice gift and card. If you do go, try going in on a hotel room with friends, staying at a relatives or friends house and of course, figure out the most cost efficient way to get there! 

If cash is a little tight and the only thing left on their registry is that $200 Kitchen Aid, get creative! Try doing something fun with their wedding invitation like getting it framed or embossed. Another idea would be to make a personalized gift using some cute photos of the couple. As a previous bride, some of my favorite gifts were the personalized ones people had made or made themselves that were not on our registry! You don’t have to be a crafty person either. Places like Wal-Mart have an amazing photo section were you can turn a photo into a blanket or any other number of cool gifts! 

And finally, as we all know, just because the bride and groom left doesn’t mean the night is ending! Chances are you are heading to local restaurant with friends and family for some late night appetizers and drinks. If you are on a budget, however, just be mindful of what you are ordering and how much you are spending! Cut back on the appetizers and maybe just get one. No one likes getting a $100 bill at the end of the night when they were planning on $30. 

As you attend weddings this summer, have a wonderful time and remember, everyone has a budget but you can still give great gifts and have a wonderful time without breaking the bank!