The Cost Of Attending A Wedding

It seems like attending a wedding shouldn’t cost much, right? Wrong. Now it isn’t to say that attending a wedding has to cost you a lot, but often, it does. The real issue is managing expectations and taking into consideration your total contribution.

Where Is It?

If the wedding is down the street at the church you grew up in or in your parent’s backyard, there is likely no hidden cost. But if the wedding is a destination, it can really add to your investment. I once had a friend get married three hours away. No biggie. But she also had her rehearsal dinner a hour from that and then her reception a hour from either. That contributed to our cost because it put us so far away we needed an extra night in a hotel and we spent a lot on gas. If the wedding is truly a destination wedding (tropical please!) than the travel will really cost you. Take this into consideration.

Are You Going To More Than Just The Wedding? – Wedding Cost

There are weddings you merely attend and than those you really participate in. Sometimes it is required to go to a shower, bachelorette party, wedding, post-wedding brunch etc. Do these require travel or outfits? These events can be heart-warming and wonderful when it is someone close to you or you are blessed with enough to give at all of these soirees. If you aren’t close to the person or you are not able to contribute in a way you feel is acceptable, you can feel free to decline an invite to these extra things.

What Is Expected?

This is a biggie and it impacts how we feel about the whole subject. What is expected of us, and what the “going rate” is per say? The most important thing is to be true to yourself and your own circumstances. Don’t go in debt or put your family on the line just to meet expectations. Your relationship with the person getting married and the union of their lives is the most important things. Not whether you are there or not, whether you are wearing a new dress or whether you bought the best gift!