Are you like me and get very excited when the thunk on the mat herald’s delivery of a wedding invitation? My first thought is joy for the couple that they have decided to make this lovely commitment to each other and pleasure that I have been invited to share the happy occasion.
What many of us may not consider is the cost of being a wedding guest.
We start with the hen or stag party, years ago this was a glass of wine and packet of crisps in a wine bar for the ladies and a pie and a pint at a pub for the gents, with maybe a stripper thrown in for the racier stags. These days hen and stag parties are an event of mammoth planning in itself.
Many hen or stag do’s have become a weekend or even week event and may involve going abroad. Whilst you might love to share some time with your bestie, you may not want to spend a week of your holiday time sipping cocktails (and paying for them) with relative strangers, much less having to take out a second mortgage to do it. Often these events are themed so also involve dressing up, another cost, especially if multiple days mean multiple costumes.
The more refined may decide on a bottomless brunch (around £45) followed by cocktails, and by the time you have Ubered home you are probably looking at a minimum of £100. A butler in the buff will set you back in excess of £150 and a stripper will add around £200 plus to your budget.
If you want something action packed you might start with paintballing at around £10 per person or clay pigeon shooting from £85 with a lesson and clays. When you think that’s before you start drinking you can see how costs start mounting up.
The next cost is your outfit. To buy or hire, both can be pricy? Guys are sometimes asked to hire to match the groom which can be expensive depending on what he has chosen, shoes, ties, cufflinks it all add up. Ladies, great wedding attire can come at a cost, especially if you add a hat or fascinator that you will probably never wear again.
If you are asked to be a bridesmaid there may be additional costs that you are expected to pay such as hair and make-up artists.
Next, we have accommodation, many people are having destination weddings so this may involve a stay the night before or the night of the wedding. Hotel rooms can be in excess of £100 so another expense to consider. If you have pets you also need to think of pet sitters or kennels. If the wedding is abroad there will be additional expenses!
Finally, you need a provide a gift. More and more couples are asking for cash, what is considered miserly, how much is acceptable? This can add considerably to your wedding budget.
I hope this blog hasn’t put you off joining your loved ones for their special day but just pause before you rush to accept and think of the financial consequences; you may decide this wedding is too costly to attend.