Wedding Season: The Guest

The wedding season is upon us! What does that mean? Well if you’re truly happy for your friend/family member getting married then its excitement and uneasiness all rolled up in one! It also probably means every time you speak to the person getting married they’re confirming if you’re attending in order get the guest list set!

It is pretty easy to know where your excitement comes from but where is this nagging uneasiness coming from. Chances are it’s that deep vacuum in your bank account where the money is suppose to be for your slew of friends getting married and gleefully letting you know, “You’re coming to the wedding right!?”

Believe it or not the average wedding in the U.S. can average $34,000 with a range less than $10,000 and upwards of $40,000. If you’re thinking that is a crazy amount of money you’re probably not alone but depending on where and when your friend/family member is getting married that can be the reality!

But enough about their cost!

What about you as the friend who has to decide to spend the money to share in this life event of your friend/family member? How do you really approach it?

Let’s say the wedding is a destination one and your friend/family member is getting married in Cancun but you live in Washington D.C.

First do the following:

• Do an honest check of your personal finances (A $1,000 expense on a gift, flight, lodging, commuting, wedding attire may not realistically fit in your budget.)

• Do have a sincere conversation with your friend/family member about your joy and excitement for this important event in their life.

• Don’t go into debt charging the said above items on a credit card. Remember it is wedding season so it probably won’t be the first invitation you receive.

• Don’t guilt yourself if you’re not able to attend the wedding. Again, if you have the sincere conversation with your friend/family member they will understand your position.

Next evaluate if you’re (A) Attending or (B) Not Attending.

If you are attending make sure you look at the expenses of the trip and the financial trade-offs you’re choosing to make. For example, if you have a goal of paying off that $1,200 student loan then the wedding trip will impact that goal. Plan in advance and ask other friends how they cut cost as a wedding guest. If you are unable to attend look at the wedding registry of the person getting married and see how you can contribute in that capacity. Plus there are a lot of do-it-yourself ways to thoughtfully show you support their life event. For instance, you can purchase deals online where the bride or groom to be can live out an experience they will remember and thank you for!

Weddings can be thrilling and a great way to support your friend/family member but keep your goals in the forefront and be honest with your state of finances.