How to Save Money as a Wedding Guest

Looking for ways to cut the cost of being a wedding guest this season? Check out our top tips for attending a wedding without breaking the bank.

It’s that time of year again when wedding season is in full swing, and with it comes the joy of receiving invitations to celebrate the union of those close to us. And, whilst the prospect of attending your loved one’s big day is exciting, the hefty costs behind it can make it stressful.

Whether you have had an invite from a friend or relative, if you are anxious about spending heaps of money on going to a wedding, then look no further! We have put together the top ways you can be a wedding guest on a budget.

1. Do your own Hair & Makeup

With hair and makeup service costs being higher than ever in recent months, you could consider ditching the salon and doing it yourself. Since most of us have a range of beauty tools lying around in our bedroom drawers, you probably already have everything you need to get glam without spending a penny. 

And, with many social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok featuring a wide range of DIY videos, it has never been easier to learn how to style yourself like a pro. So, dig out those hair straighteners, nail polish and makeup bags and start practising using some DIY tutorials.

2. Rent your Outfit

Has searching for a brand-new suit or dress on a budget been tough? Don’t worry! You could always opt to rent your outfit. If you are planning to only wear your outfit for the special day, then you’d be silly not to consider it.

Not only will this save you from forking out heaps of money on the full sale price, but you will also avoid unnecessary waste of single-use clothing. Check out your local occasion wear stores to see if they offer a rental option, or take a look online at some major retailers such as Selfridges and John Lewis, as you’d be surprised how many formal clothing stockists offer this option.

3. Buy Second Hand Fashion

If renting isn’t for you as you want to keep and re-wear your outfit, then purchasing second-hand fashion is the best option for you. As well as scanning through local charity shops to find the perfect fit, you can also check out some online second-hand clothing platforms such as Vinted, eBay and Depop.

Simply download their apps or surf the web and get scouring for your favourite piece! What’s more, if there is a particular branded item that you have had your eye on, why not search for it on these second-hand sites? This is a great way to get your hands on the fashion you love without compromising on your budget.

4. Give Thoughtful Gifts instead of Expensive Ones

Feeling the pressure to buy the perfect gift for the loving couple can be difficult, especially if they have a gift registry. However, you don’t need to buy gifts with a hefty price tag to show how much you care for them. Instead of opting for those pricey household items or branded gifts, opt for a thoughtful one.

Take a trip down memory lane and write your fondest memories with the bride(s) and/ or groom(s) to make a heartfelt memory book, or print out your favourite pictures together and put them into a scrapbook or photo frame.

Or, create an item based on an inside joke or their favourite products. You can always find DIY gift ideas on platforms such as Pinterest and YouTube and even pre-made ones on unique websites such as Etsy. Not only will this keep costs down thanks to only needing cheap supplies, but this will show that you have put thought into your present and will make your gift stand out from the crowd.

5. Plan Ahead for the Big Day

When it comes to keeping costs down, there is some truth to the saying that it pays to be prepared. Planning your transport and accommodation ahead for the big day could save you some serious cash if done right:

Transport

Whether you are travelling by train or plane, ticket fares are almost always cheaper when you book far in advance. Look out for early-bird deals and get your travel booked as soon as possible to ensure you won’t have to pay hefty fees on last-minute tickets. What’s more, you can find exclusive savings such as various railcard schemes, so check them out before booking.

Don’t want to pay high-priced transport fees? Consider driving to the venue yourself or getting public transport, as these are affordable options that will keep your wallet happy. However, you should always remember to check the price of fuel to get there against a rail fare, as it may not always be cheaper. 

Remember that you can also check with your peers to see how they are travelling to the wedding, as you could ride with them and split the cost. Also, if the travel costs are not within your budget, particularly for destination weddings which require flights and an extended hotel stay, remember that it is okay to decline an invitation.

Accommodation

Just like travel fares, hotels also have reduced rates for advance bookings. Check out the policies of surrounding accommodations to see if they offer any early bird discount schemes and make sure you secure the best deal for the dates you need.

If you are tired of searching through local hotels and can’t find one at a reasonable price, then check out affordable rentals instead of websites such as Airbnb. These can be considerably cheaper than staying in standard hotels and still do the same job!

6. Cut the Cost of Hen Parties & Stag Do’s

Getting ready to go out for a hen party or stag can be really exciting, especially if you know a few friends who are going. Whilst these can be lots of fun, use these top tips to ensure that you don’t get carried away with your spending in the lead-up to and during the celebrations.

First and foremost, you should remember that it’s okay to decline attending if it isn’t within your budget. With stag and hen holidays being more and more popular nowadays, attendees can end up feeling obliged to shell out heaps of money to go. But, it is perfectly reasonable to politely decline this if you are concerned about keeping costs down.

If you are already set on going to one of these events, then it is worth wearing something you already own. Maybe you have a little black dress in your closet or a smart outfit from your last lads’ night out? If so, dig them out and give them a new lease of life for the party. This is a great way to avoid unnecessary spending.

Do you want to make sure you don’t overspend? We’d recommend setting a budget before you go to a hen party or stag do, especially if it’s a night on the town. Think about what you are comfortable with spending and take cash with you. By leaving your card at home, you can avoid the temptation to overspend.