Forget about getting married, just going to a wedding can be an expensive business. There’s the travel, hotel, new outfit… And even after all that the selfish so-and-sos expect a present.
So if you’ve got a wedding – or six – this summer, here are five ways to cut the cost of being a guest:
1. Travel as a group
If the wedding is some distance away, think about car-pooling, so that you can split the petrol costs. Even if you’re going by train, it’s worth travelling en masse as you can nab yourself discounts on fares. Check out the GroupSave deal, which most UK train companies offer.
2. Book your accommodation early
The cheapest B&Bs always get booked out first, so if you leave it too late, you’ll end up in the posh spa hotel miles from the venue. Which doesn’t sound too gruelling, admittedly. But it’s a massive waste of money when you consider how little you’ll see of your hotel room.
3. Look into alternative accommodation
Hotels and B&Bs aren’t the only places to stay. If there’s a gang of you going, then clubbing together and renting a cottage can work out cheaper – especially during high season, when many hotels insist on two-night-only bookings. And with a cottage, you’ll often get a longer stay into the bargain. Or, if it’s a country wedding, look into cheap’n’cheerful options, like local campsites and caravan parks.
4. Don’t buy a new dress
If Kate Middleton can recycle her dresses, then so can you. Update last year’s outfit with new shoes or accessories. Or, if you’re sick of the sight of your own wardrobe, borrow something from a friend. If you must buy something new, don’t spend a fortune. We tend to tire of dresses – particularly smart ones – much quicker than we do, say, a pair of jeans, which makes them very expensive on a cost-per-wear basis.
5. Go off-list
If you’re feeling really broke, avoid buying a gift from the wedding list. You’ll feel obliged to spend more than you want to, because the couple will know exactly how much you’ve coughed up. Going off-list means that you can take advantage of the sales, or do something thoughtful, like frame a beautiful photograph of the couple. That way you’ll win points for using your imagination, too.
{Image: project hotsauce}
