Smart Ways to Save Money as a Wedding Guest
Summer is here which means that wedding season is in full swing. But no matter how thrilled you are for the happy couple, watching friends and family tie the knot can often mean splashing out hundreds of pounds.
According to a recent study, guests in 2023 can expect to pay an average of £1045 per wedding!
Here at Fair for You we’ve put together some smart ways to save money as a wedding guest which can help keep costs down while still enjoying the couple’s big day. So grab your confetti, dust off your fascinator and raise a toast to ‘celebrating on a budget’.
Accommodation
Book Early!
It can be tempting to hold on for a last minute deal with your accommodation, but chances are local accommodation will be booked up quite quickly - especially if the wedding is in a remote location. Try and get somewhere to stay as early as possible. You could always use a website like booking.com that allows you to book now and pay when you stay.
Try Booking as a Group
If you already know a group of guests, why not team up and share hotel rooms or book accommodation that can cater for a large group? It can help to cut costs and websites like VRBO have options to suit many group sizes and budgets located across the country.
Can You Stay Further Away?
If you do end up booking accommodation with a larger group, staying a few miles away from the wedding venue could offer big savings. You would also need to factor in the cost of a taxi on the day to be absolutely sure it is cost-effective, but splitting the fare at the end of the night would be a great way to save for everyone.
Travel
Share a Car and Search for Cheaper Petrol
If you’re driving to the wedding location, you can always offer other guests a lift and split the petrol costs to help keep to your budget.
Also, you can shop around for the cheapest fuel - especially if you have a long drive ahead. Comparison site Confused.com compares prices on forecourts and can be used to find the cheapest options near you.
Buy Train Tickets in Advance
If you’re travelling by train it’s worth trying to book as early as you can. Train companies usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance (some even earlier than that) and the longer you wait, the more likely it is that the price will go up.
Try ‘Splitting’ Your Journey or Using a Railcard
You could try ‘splitting’ your journey for extra savings. This is when instead of buying one single ‘through’ ticket, you buy multiple tickets that cover each part of the journey instead. So for instance, if you were travelling from Manchester to London via Crewe, you could buy tickets for Manchester - Crewe and Crewe - London to save cash. You could potentially make the same journey, even in the same seat, with no changes. Take a look at Trainsplit to find out more.
Did you know there are also 9 main railcards available? They cost no more than £30 per year and could save you between a third and 50% off your travel, so it could be well worth a look to check if you are eligible for one before you plan your journey. Find out at National Rail.
Wedding Gifts
Giving Cash Shouldn’t Cost the Earth
If the happy couple has asked for cash, try not to worry about what you can afford to give. They will be really touched by whatever you can spare.
One handy tip if they are honeymooning abroad is to get your cash gift changed into the currency they’ll need. It’s a thoughtful gesture and will likely sound more impressive than it does in sterling.
Browse the Gift List As Soon As You Can
The wedding might seem ages away, but if you leave looking at the Gift List too long you risk all the reasonably priced gifts being snapped up by other savvy guests. Of course, don’t feel pressured to buy something if you’re not in a position to.
Club Together with Friends
If you’re browsing the Gift List and everything seems to be on the expensive side, you could always split the cost between a few people. This way the couple get to enjoy one of their pricier pressies, but you only have to pay a fraction of the cost.
Give the Gift of Your Hidden Talent
When you’re on a really tight budget, it can be stressful trying to find the perfect gift that won’t put pressure on you financially. But if you have a particular skill or talent, offering your time instead is a great way of doing something unique and personal that won’t hurt your bank balance. If you sew, perhaps offer a hand with alterations or if you’re a star baker you could offer to bake a cake (whether you’re brave enough to offer to bake the wedding cake is up to you!)
What to Wear
Shop Second Hand
Buying second hand is an easy way to save money, and it’s a greener way to shop.
Even expensive brands can be found on apps such as Depop or Vinted or online marketplaces like eBay at a fraction of the original price. If you prefer shopping in person, charity shops and car boot sales are often a treasure trove of pre-loved items that may be just what you’re looking for.
Host a Swap Shop
If you don’t want to wear something you already own, but are sticking to a tight budget, you could always offer to swap outfits with friends and family that are a similar size to you.
Turn it into a fun occasion and enjoy the feeling of having a whole new look without spending a penny.
Fair for You and TU
You don’t need to buy a new outfit for every special occasion and weddings are no exception. But if you are looking for a new summer outfit that won’t break the bank, through Fair for You you can buy TU clothes from Argos. You’ll find a wide range of occasionwear for the whole family available with low interest rates and flexible repayment options to suit you.
If you’re new to Fair for You, check out how our loans work for you rather than the other way around. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that we aren’t like many other credit lenders, as we’re actually on your side.