We all know HAVING a wedding is expensive, there are countless articles outlining how to be a bride on a budget, but what about for the people GOING? From the gift, transportation, lodging, and attire, attending a wedding can cost big bucks! If you have several to attend in a season, your bank account will really start to suffer. We found ten ways a guest can save without having to sacrifice on fun, or style.
1. Drive Instead of Fly
If the wedding venue is out of town, opt to drive there instead of fly. The cost of driving is often much less than flying, plus you’ll have a mode of transportation when you get there so you don’t have to use pricey taxi services. Try carpooling with some of the other guests to cut down on the price of gas.
2. Wear Black
It used to be taboo to wear black to a wedding, but now black is considered an elegant option, especially for those set in the evening. Ladies, instead of buying a new gown, pull out that trusty LBD and make it festive with some sparkly accessories. A black suit and tie with a white shirt is always a classy option for men.
3. Borrow, Borrow, Borrow
If you still can’t find something to wear, try parousing the closet of one of your friends for an outfit he or she may have already worn. If that’s not an option, check out sites like Rent the Runway for women and The Black Tux for men to borrow a dress or suit on the cheap.
4. Offer Your Services in Place of a Gift
If you have a helpful skill, offer it up to the couple as soon as you get that save-the-date in the mail. Are you a Photoshop wiz? Volunteer to design their wedding invitation. Makeup junkie? Provide help with the bride and bridesmaids looks for the big day. Sacrificing your time to help make the bride and groom’s day special can be seen as even more valuable than a gift.
5. Get a Deal or Split the Gift
If you do choose to buy the gift, start your shopping early and shop smart. Once the bride and groom’s wedding registry is up, keep an eye out for promo codes and discounts that could shave off some of the cost. Check our Electronics page for deals on home appliances.
6. Don’t Drink Too Much
Even if the wedding has an open bar, drinking heavily can lead to other costs, like the taxi you’ll need to call after the wedding is over (and the pizza you order at 1 am). You’ll also be saving your dignity when you DON’T end up dancing on the table in front of the bride’s Great Aunt Marna.
7. Share the Hotel Room
Odds are you know some of the other guests. If the wedding is remote, ask some of the other attendees if they would like to split a hotel suite. Splitting a larger room is often much less expensive (and more fun) than getting one to yourself. Check our Travel page for discounts on hotel rooms.
8. Recommend an Alternative to Las Vegas for the Bachelor or Bachelorette Party
A trip to Vegas is pricey! If you’re invited to the Bachelor or Bachelorette party, recommend other less expensive alternatives, like wine tasting at a local winery or seeing live music. These alternatives are not only fun, but also less cliché.
9. Do your own Hair and Makeup
Men can get away with minimal pre-wedding primping, but for women the cost of a manicure, professional blowout, and makeup can really add up. Try watching tutorials on Youtube (we love this channel for makeup and this one for hair) to learn how to do a new hair or makeup look yourself. You’ll feel pretty and festive, without breaking the bank. If you still feel like you need help, check out websites like Groupon and Lifebooker for local beauty deals.
10. Beautify the Natural Way
Rather than buying a spray tan and getting your teeth whitened, opt for a more natural way to look your best for the event. Stay away from wine and coffee during the two weeks before the wedding, and lay out on your patio to catch a little bit of color. Just be sure not to go overboard, you don’t want to show up more pink than the bride’s rose bouquet!
