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Is It Expensive Being a Wedding Guest?

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Have you ever had to say no to someone's wedding because of the expense?

Spending on a gift, new outfits, travel, maybe an overnight stay or loss of earnings can really mount up.

SamGoodship
a year ago
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TheChimp

If the reception is in a hotel, the cost of drinks can be extortionate.

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SamGoodship
LD Team

TheChimp yes drinks can be pricey too!

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Leannexxx

I wouldn't know everyone I know don't wanna get married 🤣

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eyeballkerry

I was invited to the evening reception which was over two hours away. We were told we could camp if we had a tent or book a hotel at our expense for the night. They wanted £10 towards the bar and sent a wedding list. Guess what? We did not go.

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SamGoodship
LD Team

eyeballkerry I’ve never heard of people being asked to contribute to the bar before! surely you either have an open bar or guests buy their own?

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Nadiaparveen

Yes especially in my Asian culture ..the wedding and the events beforehand go on for numerous days and you're expected to wear different clothing each time and the clothing, jewellery and footwear can be very expensive

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Nadiaparveen

Also don't forget the baby showers/gender reveal parties too 😂

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Imnotcheap

It would all depend on how far away. I've only been to ones that was close enough to not cost much on transport, gift is as expensive as you buy, thoughtful doesn't have to be too expensive, I wouldn't buy new outfit personally

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Pjran

Lots of couples are getting married abroad and hen and stag breaks. My son went to his friends stag abroad and then the wedding, he was best man. That was very expensive.

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SamGoodship
LD Team

Pjran Overseas weddings certainly add to the expense for guests

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SaveMeSunday

Not been to that many weddings but it seems now if you are a guest its an automatic minimum of £50 money in a card to start and then as you say, new outfit, travel ect. So yeah its a lot! we were invited to one in July but luckily we are away at the time! thank god as its one i really didnt wants to go to.

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katherineannmil

Yes it is expensive especially if it's far and you decide to stay overnight, plus the drinks and the present. It all adds up.

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Midnightflower

My cousin got married in Sri Lanka many years ago, it cost over £1000 to attend. So yes it can be very expensive!

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TheChimp

Can anyone tell me why they need a new outfit? Is this a woman thing?

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oldgold

TheChimp oh my god.............dont say you have to change sex aswell.

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TheChimp

oldgold I'm not getting you.

Please explain.

All I know is that most men don't need to buy a new outfit just to go to a wedding, funerals as well.

I hope that you are not going woke on me.

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Leannexxx

TheChimp yeah it's definitely a woman's thing we need to have are hair done make up new outfit shoes the lot lol

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TheChimp

Leannexxx Do you have to wear a hat as well these days? I've heard that they can be expensive.

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Leannexxx

TheChimp most wear a hat but that depends on where the wedding is really somewhere posh definitely hat

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lilyflower

Fortunately all the weddings I've attended have been within driving distance with the exception of the one we passed on as it was in France. Present lists can be expensive, have a look and then decide if you can afford something if not put what cash you can afford in an envelope of buy a gift card. New clothes TheChimp not really depends on who is getting married, I bought a new dress for the wedding of my niece, two others I went in very nice finds from a charity shop otherwise I recycle.

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Howmuch

Yes, old friend wanted me to drive the length of the country with my family to a weddings with accommodation costing two thousand per house at the venue. I would have stayed somewhere close and got a taxi but this was his second wedding his first was a pain. Never contacted by him again, bonus.

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SamGoodship
LD Team

Howmuch £2,000 just for the accommodatio? 😱

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jam45

Yes, it is very expensive being invited to a wedding. I avoid going to weddings if I am expected to pay for my drinks and accommodation.

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TiaTia

I haven't been to a wedding for many years but yes the last one I went to I had to get flights to Edingburgh and then 2 nights at the hotel plus wedding money for the gift and new outfit so quite expensive.

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SilverSurfer

Yes. Family member Invited me to wedding which was on 2 week cruise in the Caribbean.

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Pjran

My daughter was bridesmaid to her friend in France. Flights, expensive hotel and car hire all at her own expense. Maybe the couples who decide to marry abroad should pay for their guests, as if !

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beccatavender

I haven't, as I very rarely get invited to weddings and if I do it's normally family, nieces and nephews etc. But I know a friend who didnt go to a friends wedding because of the cost. I think it depends how close you are to the couple and how much notice you have. The last wedding I went to we had a save the date card about a year out.

On the flip side a family of 5 didn't turn up to my nephew wedding, without any explanation and my sister was tamping as it cost £30 a head for the sit down meal, so they lost £150, so I think sometimes the couple are pleased if people say they can't make it 🙂

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possy

Weddings are an expensive day, don’t for get hair and makeup etc. I do love a good day wedding though., but yes I’m some cases you just have to say no x

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Consumer

No but I definitely think twice. Besides expecting gifts from their wedding list, many people are also asking for money (or just send you a bill) to put towards pre-parties and the actual wedding too!

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