Wedding guest expenses can really add up.  According to the American Express Spending and Savings Tracker, survey respondents will attend three weddings this year at an average cost of $703 per event.  That’s a lot of dough!  Those are average costs to attend a wedding.  Not including expenses of members of the wedding party.  Pushing costs into the stratosphere.  Recall The Money Skinny™ mission is to save you time and money.  Let’s take a look at trimming wedding guest expenses without impacting the celebration.  Costs invisible to an outside observer but impactful on the wallet.

 

Wedding Guest Expenses for Travel

Book hotel accommodations early.  Typically wedding organizers reserve a block of hotel rooms when out-of-town guests are expected.  Perhaps at a group discount.  Rooms fill first-come-first-serve.  Slow to commit?  You may be out of luck.  Avoid paying more at a less desirable location by booking early.  Doesn’t matter what hotel?  Try discount websites like Travelzoo or Airbnb to compare prices.  Again, booking early for the best deals.

Other Travel Expenses

Reduce other travel costs with The Money Skinny™ Trimming Vacation Travel Expenses and Save Vacation Cash with a Commuter Train.  Travel can be a large portion of total wedding guest expenses.

Wedding Guest Expenses for Formalwear

Shop online for formalwear from discounters like TJMaxx and Nordstrom Rack.  These retailers offer mid-range brands at low prices.  Free shipping means clothing can be tried on at home.  Both retailers offer merchandise returns in-store.  Forget about schlepping the NoThanks pile to the Post Office.  Sourcing directly from retailer warehouses means items are brand new.  Not tried on and mangled by other shoppers.  There’s also a great selection of low priced accessories.  Don’t forget shoes while you’re at it.

The “You Can Wear It Again” Fallacy

It’s time to end the “You Can Wear It Again” YCWIA fallacy with bridesmaid dresses.  She can.  But she won’t.  Brides, I’m talking to you.  The bride loves the bridesmaid dress.  Therefore, the bridesmaid will wear the dress the bride chose to many other events.  That’s the YCWIA fallacy.  Not logical.  Don’t say it.  Treat the bridesmaid dress as a one-and-done.  Bonus if it sees the light of day again.

Bring False Eyelashes

Attention brides and bridal party!  Buy a pair of false eyelashes at a discount in advance.  Sally Beauty, Nordstrom Rack and Walmart sell cheaper alternatives than purchasing eyelashes sold by a salon on the wedding day.  Ardell Natural Eyelashes are inexpensive and natural looking.  Use Revlon Lash Glue for quality adhesion.  Reuse those eyelashes again and again.  Further reducing the cost per wear.  Chaaaaaa-ching!

Total Wedding Guest Expenses

Being a member of the wedding party adds even more expense.  Showers, bachelor/ette parties, clothing and travel is a big time and money commitment.  Estimate the total wedding guest expenses.  Be sure these are expenses you can reasonably afford before committing to attend a wedding.