Destination weddings are great in theory. But when you’re a guest, the idea of attending a wedding a long distance away can make you fear for your finances.
Fortunately, you can still celebrate the couple without breaking the bank by following a few simple tips. Here’s what you can do to save on cash when you’re a destination wedding guest.
Be Smart About Your Attire
Up to 2.4 million weddings are performed in the U.S. every year with an average of 165 wedding guests. Furthermore, the average cost of these weddings in 2012 was $13,106.
Unless you’re in the bridal party, you don’t need to worry about wearing specific attire. As long as what you’re wearing is formal and fits you, you’re good to go.
Stick to wearing formal wear you already own or consider borrowing clothes from a friend. Rent a tux or a dress, if possible. A wedding dress ought to be the only expensive attire that will only be worn once.
Plan How You’ll Get There Ahead of Time
Some destination weddings require a plane trip while others are only a long car-ride away. It’s important to determine how you’re going to get to the wedding ahead of time to ensure you don’t overspend on travel.
Plane tickets are often more expensive the closer they get to the date you need them for, and cars can break down if they’re not properly serviced for the excursion. In fact, up to 77% of vehicles on the road right now are in need of some type of maintenance or repair.
With the average person in the U.S. spending 60 minutes a day in their car, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is capable of traveling a long distance without overheating or falling apart.
Get a Babysitter
It can be tempting to turn your trip into a makeshift family vacation. But travel can take a lot out of you, and worrying about keeping your kids happy, fed, and energized will only make things worse.
Have a family member look after your kids while you’re gone for the wedding. Travel will be easier and less expensive to plan and you won’t have to worry about food expenses, either.
Pack Your Own Food
Speaking of food expenses, it may be worth packing your own food for the trip. Snacks from your local grocery store cost less than any snacks you’ll find at a tourist destination.
Packing food makes it easier to stick to your budget. For instance, you might go out to dinner with friends the night before the wedding, but you’ll save on money for lunch the day after the wedding if you have munchies packed away.
Just be sure the food you pack doesn’t need to be refrigerated to keep your car from getting gross on the trip.
A destination wedding is magical and exciting, but it can also be expensive, especially when you’re a guest. By following the tips above, you can keep your budget under control while still celebrating the happy couple.