Weddings are meant to be times of joy and celebration but they seem to have been hijacked by financial fornication. There is nothing affordable about them anymore, not for the couple, not for their families and not even for the guests.
We’ve all heard the stories of lavish weddings with stellar price tags. But what about the guests? How much is too much to spend to attend SOMEONE ELSE’S big day?
It costs an average of $1192.40 for a guest to attend a wedding these days, according to a study by PolicyExpert.co.uk. That’s just for one wedding.
As we all know, weddings seem to happen in clusters so feel free to multiply that figure by however many friends you know who are currently in serious relationships. Then add acquaintances who, for some reason you cannot fathom, invite you to their wedding. Then add obligation invites. You know, your parents were best friends 30 years ago and their daughter is getting married and you were invited to her 21st for some reason and now she’s getting married. Congratulations Emily. I mean Emma.
It’s not just those unfortunate enough to be asked to be on the bridal party who are suffering financial loss, it’s everyone who receives an invite and has to fork out for all the gifts, the cost of the Buck’s Night and Hen’s Night, outfits to wear to all of the the different events – because one celebration is never enough – and then any travel associated with their attendance.
Destination weddings? Death to all of them.
We asked the Mamamia team what their biggest wedding regret is. While “I spent too much money on it” didn’t feature as many times as I expected, it’s still pretty telling. Post continues after this video…
Top Comments
"And if you’re thinking of a destination wedding, remember your guests will be just as happy for you if you are saying your vows down at the local church or at sunset on the beach in Vanuatu."
Perhaps the wedding isn't about the guests but is more about the couple? If the couple chooses a special place to get married and you don't like it, then you don't have to go. But to make the wedding about you as a guest is more selfish. Chances are the couple is spending $30000 for the wedding and then to have people complaining about their personal cost to the couple is added stress to the couple that just wanted you to share their day in a special place (unless of course your personal cost exceeds the $30000). Spray tans, new clothing, make up and resort accommodation are all optional. If you have been invited to a wedding and are on a budget, plan early. Book flights early, and stay in backpacker accommodation. Don't complain if you leave it to the last minute.
Alternatively, be gracious and decline the invite without making sure everyone knows about your personal finances.
I have been to approximately 10 weddings in the last few years and I'm probably averaging $400-$500 per wedding as a guest. This includes, hens night, new dress, spray tan, make up, accommodation, fuel and/or transport cost. Only one was a destination wedding - Thailand but we turned that into a two week holiday with about 15 friends so it was definitely worth it.
I had 4 weddings within 5 weeks of each other in 2014, after that I have dropped the amount of money I give as a gift now. It might seem cheap but whats more important, me being there for the wedding or some cash?
If I ever get married, its going to be really low key and budget friendly!