Between pre-wedding showers, parties, gifts, and travel expenses, celebrating a marriage, even if it’s not your own, can get expensive quickly. Like with most things in life though, proper planning and some savvy decision-making can help you keep money in your pocket while still celebrating your loved ones with an appropriate amount of fanfare. As you plan for what’s sure to be a busy wedding season, keep these tricks in mind to avoid overspending.
1. Plan ahead
This tip might seem like a given, but the earlier you start planning for a wedding — everything from how you’ll travel to what you’ll wear — the easier it will be to find the best possible prices. Bargain hunting becomes a lot simpler if you have time to shop! Plus, purchasing something like a flight or registry gift last minute is always a risky gamble.
Planning early also means you can budget for all your expected expenses. Setting money aside for things like gifts and pre-wedding parties will give you some peace of mind once the day finally comes.
2. Repurpose
Attending a wedding is exciting! And, of course, you want to look your best. It can be tempting to drop some money on a new outfit, but in all likelihood, no one will notice if you shop through your own closet. Especially if you have a lot of weddings to attend in a short span of time, you could save some money by choosing one outfit and switching up your look with smaller purchases (or things you already own) like shoes or accessories.
3. Rent/borrow
If shopping through your closet doesn’t yield any results, there are a ton of great rental services that you can use to find clothing for a fraction of what it would cost to buy. Try Rent the Runway or Nuuly for designer styles at affordable prices, and if you like the service, you could continue your subscription to find stylish outfits for everything from days in the office to parties!
Another option is to borrow from a friend. Even if it’s just a fashionable necklace or chic tie, those small expenses add up. Borrowing means you can wear something that feels new to you while keeping a little extra money in your budget for other things.
4. Get the points!
If you have a rewards credit card, make sure you’re familiar with the benefits. You may be able to collect points on travel or even earn discounts on certain things. Did you know that many rewards-based credit cards come with hidden perks like access to airport lounges? So, at the very least, getting familiar with your rewards structure might mean you can travel to the wedding in style.
5. Share expenses
Have a friend that’s attending the same wedding as you? Apart from swapping clothes, you could also share on expenses like hotel costs or rental cars. You may even be able to get a better rate on travel and lodging if you book with a group.
Going in with a group on a bigger gift is also a smart way to save some money while still giving the couple a great wedding present. A popular trend now is to contribute to a couple’s honeymoon expenses. That way you can pay whatever amount works for you and your budget while knowing that you’re contributing to a wonderful experience for the newlyweds.
Tip: Try booking a home rental with other guests through services like Airbnb or VRBO to save on both hotel costs and dining purchases by cooking some meals at home.
6. Set aside some time for yourself!
If you’re traveling to attend a wedding or already took some time off of work, why not make it a mini-vacation! You’re already there, and you may get better lodging rates for a longer stay. Weddings are often packed with events and activities, but don’t forget to take some time for yourself and make the most out of the money you’ve budgeted to get there!
