With 2022 set to be the most popular year for weddings since 1984 and inflation hitting a 40-year high, more wedding guests than ever need tips and tricks to cut down on the overwhelming costs of attending multiple weddings. We have a complete guide to getting through the wedding season on a budget.

With summer truly upon us, there is no doubt that wedding season is in full swing. The invites are piling up and our calendar is pretty busy, and while we’re SO ready for love, cake and seedy daddy dance, we’re left wondering – how much is it all going to cost?

47% of Britons (research by Voucher Codes) say the cost of living crisis means attending a wedding is contributing to their financial woes, and research suggests a quarter of guests cannot afford to attend Weddings they’ve been invited to, it’s no wonder more and more invitees are looking for money-saving tricks to get through the busiest wedding season in 40 years.

Wedding Guest on a Budget – How to save this wedding season

From dresses to accommodations, ethical engagement ring company Nightingale has compiled its favorite money-saving hacks that can help any wedding guest stay on budget while still making the most of the day(s)!

Change the gifts

Gifts can vary greatly in price. Often the bride and groom will create a list of gifts for the guests to choose from which, let’s face it, gives us secret hope for a range of pricing options… Why does everyone suddenly need a pizza oven!? With that in mind, Nightingale has offered a few budget-cutting options for you to try:

• Opt for a group gift: If you decide to give a group gift, you can buy one of the more eye-catching gifts without breaking the budget.
• Offer your services: Can you do your makeup or hair? Are you a master at baking cakes? Can you offer lifts or babysitting services? Introduce your talents and expertise to the happy couple and see if you can offer something that doesn’t stretch too much on your budget.
• Go Homemade: Remember, it’s the thought that counts. Painting a beautiful picture or putting together a cute photo album can make a lot more sense than a set of pasta bowls.

Look at your outfits

The average cost of a wedding outfit is £136.59 and maybe a little more if you shop at the better known dress shops – we see you Reformation! Unfortunately, repeating outfits is still considered a taboo in wedding season, but luckily we have some alternative options for a wedding ensemble that won’t break the bank.

• Rent instead: Sites like Hurr, Rotation and My Wardrobe HQ have incredible rental options, where you can rent a Ganni dress from as little as £37 a day.
• Share with your friends: Did you notice your best friend’s wedding outfit last month? Ask them if they want to swap or if you can just borrow. Seeking fashion help from your friends is a great way to rock a perfect outfit totally free.
• Shop second hand: Second-hand shopping is a never-ending eco-friendly shopping option that has seen a boom in recent years as many consumers shun fast fashion for used items. If you don’t feel like trawling the shelves at your local charity shops, sites like Depop and Vinted are a treasure trove of second-hand clothing at reasonable prices.

Think of travel options

With travel back in full swing, destination weddings are a big focus. Who doesn’t dream of a beach wedding in Mallorca or a castle affair with a view of Lake Como? However, travel options appear to be getting more expensive by the day as air fares increase by 19% month-on-month in 2022.

Even if you don’t fly internationally, travel costs within the UK can be sky-high. The average price of petrol has risen to 191.05p and long-distance rail travel is 32% more expensive than in 2010. Here are our top money-saving tips to get you to and from the wedding without feeling like you have it should have just walked…

• Carpool: Chances are you know a few other guests who are also traveling to your destination. Asking to carpool will be cheaper for you and your fellow travelers – provided you research cheap gas stations!
• Get a train map: If your wedding plans involve a significant amount of train travel, a train ticket can save you anywhere from a third to 50% on your trip.
• Use travel search engines: Search engines like SkyScanner or Kayak are great for comparing travel options and finding the cheapest prices. You can even use Google Flight to get cheap flight alerts.

Be smart with your accommodation

According to research, hotels were the most popular type of wedding venue in 2021 and you can be sure that if it is a hotel suitable for a wedding, the room price will not be cheap.

Accommodation can often cost a guest up to £400, which seems like a lot for a room you’re unlikely to spend much time in. Planning ahead and researching accommodation options can end up saving you hundreds of pounds.

• Book as a group: Hotels often offer family rates for large groups, so find other savings-loving guests and bag a great deal. If a group rate is still out of your budget, you and your group can explore AirBnB options in the area, which are often much cheaper.
• Use comparison portals and book in advance: One of the first things to do once the venue is secured is to go to a website like booking.com or Trivago to compare hotel room deals. Consult your options as early as possible for cheaper and better results. However, it is often best to book direct with the hotel as you will not have to pay any booking fees.
• Staying with relatives/friends: Does a quaint village in the countryside look familiar to you? It’s possible you know someone who lives close to the venue who might allow you to drop your bags and stay the night. Granted, that’s not the case with every wedding you attend, but even if you can find free accommodation for one, you can still have more in your budget.

More savings tips

The average guest spends £576.20 per wedding. If you’re going to five weddings this year, that’ll total £2,881, or if you’re going to eight, you’ll have to shell out a whopping £4,609!

As always, drawing up a concise budget at the beginning of the year dedicated to wedding expenses will help you not to overspend and determine what is and is not worth spending money on. Nightingale recommends:

• Don’t be afraid to say no: We know that the big day is all about the bride and groom, but it’s also important to prioritize yourself. Having an honest conversation with the couple about your finances can be meaningful and important in putting yourself first. Even if you can pull off the big day, don’t be afraid to say no to the extra activities like bachelor or bachelorette parties.
• Get all information as soon as possible: Gather all the important information as soon as you can save a significant amount of your budget. Details like time/date/location/theme and even your role in the wedding can help you plan ahead, find cheaper options, and calculate exactly how much you’re willing to spend.
• Help friends and family: Whether it’s babysitting or offering a ride, helping your friends and family with their own wedding expenses will often encourage loved ones to lend a hand when you need it. Being an active member of your community always pays off in the long run.
• Learn how to DIY: Learning a skill on free platforms like YouTube is never a bad idea. The Internet is a hub for information, and honing skills like makeup, hair, and home manicure can save you a ton of money.

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