Wedding Guests Find Ways to Cut Costs

Attending a wedding costs American guests an average of about $1,400 per celebration, according to a consumer sentiment survey from BMO bank. A PayPal survey found 90% of respondents would cut back on other expenses like dining out rather than miss a best friend's wedding. Savvy guests are implementing clever hacks to trim spending. They focus on lodging, flights, and attire.

Andrew Schleeter, 32, a founder and chief revenue officer of MerchCamp, always tries to attend friends' weddings, even abroad. He sees them as a fun way to travel and a special inclusion. "People work a year of their entire lives to plan their wedding, and they want to include you in it," Schleeter said. "I think it's very special, so I always try to go."

Since May 2025, Caroline Sacks, a 30-year-old content creator, has attended 16 weddings. She views them as chances to reconnect with friends rather than romantic trips with her fiancé, Jack Bushell. To curb costs, they often split a hotel room with another couple.

Sacks considers the hotel room a low priority. She prefers to allocate funds toward airfare, rental cars, or pre-wedding beauty treatments. A shared room can also become a weekend gathering spot for others.

Budgeting Strategies

Guests are finding ways to reduce everyday expenses to afford wedding attendance. The desire to be present is strong, leading to creative financial planning. For example, just as a sports fan might check the fixtures to plan their season, wedding guests plan their annual calendar around these events.

The core costs for guests typically involve travel, accommodation, and appropriate clothing. Strategic choices in these areas can lead to significant savings.

Saving on Lodging and Travel

Splitting hotel costs is a popular method. This approach turns accommodation into a social hub while reducing the individual financial burden. Much like analyzing team stats to find value, guests analyze their options to get the best value for their money.

Another tactic is prioritizing spending. Guests like Sacks choose to spend more on travel or experiences and less on their room. This reflects a shift in what attendees value most about the wedding weekend.

Managing Attire and Other Costs

Wedding attire represents another potential expense. Guests can save by re-wearing outfits or choosing versatile pieces.

Pre-celebration expenses, like beauty treatments, are also part of the budget. Some guests choose to allocate funds here instead of on luxury lodging.

The financial commitment is substantial, but the social reward drives attendance. Guests continue to find personalized ways to manage the costs, similar to how one might review a financial standings to assess their budget health.