How To Enjoy A Busy Wedding Season Without Going Broke

Support your friends who are getting married without going broke.

Celebrating your friends and family's engagements and weddings is fun, but all those wedding invites can strain your budget. According to research by Express Spending & Saving Tracker, the average wedding guest is out $673 for each wedding they attend. No worries; you don't need to go into debt to attend. Follow our hacks and learn to celebrate in style—and within budget. Here is how to enjoy a busy wedding season without going broke.

1. Save on airfare 

• Clear your browser cache before searching for a flight.
• Get the lowest prices by booking your ticket for mid-week or taking a red-eye flight.
• Use apps like Kayak and Hopper to help you find the best-priced tickets.
  

If your destination is within driving distance, you might hop on a train, board a bus, rent a car with some friends, and turn the drive into a fun road trip.  

2. Think outside the registry 

Jump off the registry bandwagon and get creative instead! You can gift the couple with a more personalized gift, like a themed breakfast basket for the morning after or tickets and reservations for a dream date night. No one has to know how much (or how little) you spent. Plus, your gift will surely be memorable and treasured by the couple. 

3. Don't buy a gown 

Instead of dropping a ton of money on a gown you might wear once, rent one for a fraction of the price from rental services like Rent the Runway. You can borrow from a friend or purchase your dress gently used on sites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.  

4. Invest in a good suit 

If you're planning several weddings over the next few months, investing in a top-quality suit or tux, you can wear again and again might be worthwhile. Once you've got your suit, you can change the outfit for different weddings by swapping the shirt and tie or the cummerbund and bowtie. 

5. Use Airbnb 

Instead of spending hundreds on a hotel stay for every destination wedding you attend, check out Airbnb for cheaper lodgings. Save even more by booking a full apartment or house with a couple of friends and splitting the cost. 

6. Don't be afraid to say no 

If you're asked to be a bridesmaid or an usher, and you know you can't afford the associated costs, don't be afraid to explain your position to your soon-to-be-married friends. They'll likely understand and either accept your declination or adjust their plans so you can afford to be part of the wedding party.    

Now you know how to enjoy a busy wedding season without going broke. Here's to a season of affordable and joyous wedding celebrations from us at Elevate Credit Union!