How to Budget as a Wedding Guest

How-To: Survive a Pricey Wedding Season

May 3, 2012

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It takes quite a bit of cash to put on a wedding, and sometimes it can cost a small fortune just to be a guest or member of the bridal party. Summer is nearly here, which could also mean the start of a busy wedding season for some of us. Prepare for your packed calendar — and don't go broke — by following my tips on surviving a pricey Summer of celebrating love.

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by POPSUGAR Smart Living 4

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4 Comments

likethedirection 1 year 3 weeks

Seems like all our friends are getting married this year...SIX couples between my friends and my husband's friends. It's expensive! I try to make as many showers and parties as I can, but sometimes I've had to decline an invitiation just due to money reasons. I can't afford six wedding gifts, six shower gifts, and six nights out with the girls for bachelorette parties.

4 years 5 days

I completely disagree with the above comments. I am 24 and live in NYC and am in 4 (yes 4!) weddings this summer. Between the bachelorette weekends (not just one night...), showers, bm dresses, shoes, hair, gifts, I am absolutely broke. Not to mention I am starting med school in the fall. I have spent all of my savings celebrating my close friends. I have skipped a 2 out-of-town showers simply because I absolutely could not afford it. My friends have been more than understanding and are appreciative of every effort I have made so far. I think the whole money situation depends on where you live (cost of living and such) and what stage you are in your life (established professional vs. struggling student). I am happy to be apart of these weddings, but I had to draw the line somewhere so that I could afford my rent.

runningesq 4 years 6 days

Me too, skigurl. I was hurt when one of my BMs didn't attend either my shower OR my bachelorette party because she was broke ... even though she went to Mexico on vacation a few months earlier. and THIS: the bride-to-be has included you because you're her friend, and it's not part of some evil plot to make you go broke is SO TRUE !!

skigurl 4 years 6 days

i disagree about not attending the bachelorette or shower because you can't afford it unless there is a serious reason you are broke like both of you lost your job or something, you should be there for a close friend. plan ahead. i hate people who use money as an excuse.