Event Planning TipsWeddings

Financially Surviving Wedding Season as a Guest

According to the New York Times, the average wedding guest spends nearly $900 to partake in the festivities. That price tag can make your wallet want to say, “I don’t!” — especially if your wedding season dance card is full.

But don’t worry. Charlie knows a bunch of money-saving hacks so you can catch the bouquet without breaking the bank!

Set a Budget and Prioritize

Take a peek at your finances and determine exactly how much you can spend on the occasion without wreaking havoc on your budget. Once you have a figure in mind, it’s time to create a spending plan.

You can stay near the venue in style, rival the bride for beauty, or be the best gift giver ever — but you may not be able to afford to do it all. If that’s the case, you’ll need to make some trade-offs to stay within your set limits. For example, if you want to give a lavish gift, that could mean forgoing the expensive salon visit the morning of the ceremony.

Tip: Charlie can help you plan ahead by starting a new savings goal called “wedding.”

Pool Resources

Try going in on wedding attendance expenses with family and friends. You can split the cost of lodging, transportation, and even the gift. That way, everyone saves some cash and can still fully take part in the experience.

Beautify Yourself (or Find a Deal)

If you’ve got the skills, skip the pricey salon and do your own hair, makeup, and mani-pedi. DIY’ing your beauty regimen will save you some serious cash. (You may even already have the supplies on hand!) Afraid of looking like Elizabeth Holmes? Ask a friend to help paint your face and braid their hair in trade.

If you really want to be pampered, check Groupon to score a deal on the service. You can also reach out to local beauty schools. Often, their students will gussy you up for much less dough than a pro.

Re-wear or Rent Attire

There is zero shame in wearing a killer dress (or suit) twice. So save your wallet and rock that outfit again! You can also raid a friend’s closet to wear something that’s new to you. But — if you must wear something brand new, consider renting your ensemble for a fraction of the price of buying it off the rack.

Make Your Gift

If you’ve got the talent, why not use it to make something heartfelt and budget friendly? Your newlyweds will appreciate the gesture and will likely cherish it over another set of wine glasses.

Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

  • Sing a song at the reception
  • Make the centrepieces on the dinner tables
  • Offer to photograph the event
  • Create a scrapbook about their relationship
  • Knit a blanket for their couch or bed
  • Paint their new family portrait

Still feeling uninspired? Pinterest has got you covered!

Just Say No

Although it hurts to check “will not attend” on the RSVP card, remember: an invitation to a wedding is a request, not a requirement. Sometimes your wallet just can’t swing it and that’s OK. If that happens, confidently decline with your regrets and send a little (perhaps homemade) gift in your place.

Final Thoughts

Being a wedding guest can be crazy expensive — but it doesn’t have to be. Every element of the experience can be optimized to fit your budget. So go ahead and feel the love while enjoying your fatter bank account.

This article was written by Laura Gariepy and originally appeared in the Charlie blog on April 3, 2019.
Featured Photo by sergio souza from Pexels

Please note: We don’t have an affiliation, or personally endorse any of the services linked on this post. The purpose of this post is to provide you with ideas in becoming a bona fide wedding guest.

 


 

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Be sure that our Melbourne and Sydney wedding entertainers are world class. The options available are extraordinary.

We’d like to think you’ll also end up back here like so many couples have done in the past. In the meantime congratulations on the big day ahead and best wishes with putting it all together!

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The Love Groovers

SYDNEY’S NUMBER 1 WEDDING BAND

What is a celebration and party without Sydney’s number 1 wedding band? This party band will add all the style, elegance and excitement you need to give your reception that touch of magic to be remembered. With a huge repertoire list to suit all occasions, the Love Groovers gives you non stop party tunes from disco to swing, Motown to Latin and from funk to pop. The Love Groovers wedding band »

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The Leading Men

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Performance format : a 25 minute show scheduled after the main course at your reception.

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 The Leading Men and a Leading Lady

A GLAMOROUS WEDDING ACT

A variation on The Leading Men with the addition of an elegant, glamorous and award-winning ‘Leading Lady’. This highly professional wedding entertainment act includes poignant and popular duets such as ‘All I Ask of You’, ‘The Prayer’ and ‘You’re the One that I Want’ crossing all generations.  The Leading Men and a Leading Lady wedding performers »

Performance format : a 25 minute show scheduled after the main course at your reception.

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Jersey to Motown

A HIGH ENERGY WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

The Jersey to Motown boys are three hip and gorgeous ‘stars on the rise’ who deliver a vibrant, fun and high energy wedding entertainment experience.  These talented performers bring back the unforgettable sounds of the world’s most legendary performers including Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Jackson 5,  Stevie Wonder and The Beach Boys. With an extremely flexible format – this show can be performed as a feature act after main course and/or a disco dancing set after dessert.  This means you don’t have to hire a separate band or wedding DJ for the evening because Jersey to Motown are already there!  Watch the Jersey to Motown wedding entertainers in action »

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Time Machine Dance Party

A WORLD FIRST WEDDING DJ EXPERIENCE! 

This immersive, dance party takes the typical wedding DJ experience to a whole new level. Time Machine Dance Party will take your wedding guests on a one hour journey through the greatest and most iconic pop music hits, beginning at 1955 through to present day. The music track is supported by a compelling big screen AV presentation featuring footage of the original artist for each song…but… mixed with footage of significant events of each year.  The Time Machine Dance Party wedding DJ experience  »

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Darryl Lovegrove – Wedding MC 

AN OUTSTANDING WEDDING EMCEE

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Darryl Lovegrove is a multi-awarded performer and producer who has been wowing corporate, theatrical and event audiences for over 30 years. He is a skillful wedding master of ceremonies who can also perform a diverse repertoire from opera to musical theatre and contemporary classics. Watch Darryl’s wedding MC promo video »