There's nothing quite as exciting as getting the invitation to be a part of someone's special day. Weddings are magical...but they can also be expensive, even as a guest! That's why we've complied a list of ways to budget for wedding season as a guest so that you can check the 'attending' box on all of your invites.
See more from Kayla and Damien's rustic wedding here
MAIN EVENT....
Once you've said yes to attending a wedding, the costs will start rolling in. A new outfit, a wedding gift, transport to the wedding...the list goes on! It can be tricky to find ways to save money amidst all the expenses. However, a cost that you can skip out on is pre-wedding events. If you've also been invited to celebrations like the bridal shower, bachelorette party and engagement dinner, it's completely okay to politely decline attending these extra festivities. If attending the actual wedding is already going to cost you a pretty penny, there is nothing wrong with giving some of the smaller celebrations a miss to save your funds for the main event.
RENT YOUR WEDDING LOOK...
If your calendar is starting to fill up with an abundance of wedding dates, an expense that can definitely be spared is buying a new outfit every time. Consider renting your outfit to achieve that classy, high-end look without the hefty price tag. You can rent your wedding outfit from websites like Dress Hire AU or find boutiques in your local area that allow you to rent dresses for up to eight days. Looking totally glamorous for a wedding doesn't always have to break the bank!
SAME DRESS, NEW LOOK...
Depending on your budget and how many weddings you've been invited to, renting a dress can sometimes become an expensive option as well. Another alternative to minimise your wedding outfit spend is to buy one or two statement dresses and use accessories to change up the look for each event. An elegant, emerald pencil dress paired with closed-toe heels and a dainty necklace takes on a totally different vibe when accompanied by strappy sandals and chunky jewellery.
HOTEL ALTERNATIVES...
Destination weddings can take the amount you spend as a wedding guest to a whole new level of pricey. Travel costs increase dramatically and then there's the price of accomodation to consider. Although these costs can be daunting, there are ways to save a little bit of money so that your bank account doesn't take as much of a hit. Instead of staying in a snazzy hotel, check out properties in the same area as the wedding venue on rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. Listings on these sites are often much cheaper than hotels and can be just as luxurious! Even better, if you know someone who lives in the city where the wedding is taking place, it might be time to call in a favour and see if you can crash with them for a couple of nights.
Via Airbnb
IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS...
Wedding gifts are another aspect of attending someone's big day that can require splashing out a significant amount of cash. But it doesn't have to be! If the bride and groom have an expensive gift registry and your funds are running low, opt for a gift that's within your price range and is super sentimental. For example, you could put together a photo album of your favourite memories with the happy couple or create a home-made recipe book of all your go-to dishes to inspire the newlyweds in the kitchen.
GIVE THE PRESENT OF YOUR PRESENCE...
At the end of the day, it's worth remembering that all the bride and groom really want is your support and attendance. Being a wedding guest is all about sharing a really special day with the happy couple! So, get on the dance floor and have a boogie with the newlyweds at the reception to show how genuinely happy you are for them to have tied the knot and your wedding guest duties will have been fulfilled.
Check out Jaide and Chris' romantic Flaxton Gardens wedding here
If you're in the midst of planning a wedding and the cost of it all is starting to make your head spin, check out these 16 ways to trim your wedding budget.
