RSVPing 'YES' to multiple weddings? Here's how to budget!

Attending weddings can be a joyous occasion, but it can also be expensive, particularly if you’re invited to more than one over the course of the year. Costs such as new outfits, travel and accommodation, and gifts mean the overall expense of attending can quickly add up.

Duncan Fortune, Head of Commercial at Tesco Bank, says: “Wedding season can be a significant expense for households. Planning ahead and setting a dedicated budget for celebrations can help spread the cost over several months, allowing people to make the most of the celebrations while keeping their finances on track." 

Duncan Fortune shares his top budget tips to help those wedding guests attending multiple celebrations this year:

Identify where you can make small savings

"Tesco Bank research found that as many as one in ten (10%) people dread peak wedding season (from June to August each year), with the average cost of the last wedding Brits attended coming to £316 per person. Setting aside money each month can help build your savings over time and spread the cost of gifts, travel, or accommodation. Booking early may also secure lower prices, while re-wearing outfits, and sharing accommodation with others can also help keep wedding spending manageable." 

Create a wedding season budget

“Having a dedicated 'wedding season' budget in place can provide a clearer picture of the financial commitment that you can expect. This approach can also make it easier to prioritise which invitations to accept and identify where savings can be made, helping ensure that attending multiple celebrations remains enjoyable without creating financial pressure.” 

Stick to your budget

“Set a maximum spend per wedding and stick to it regardless of the type of celebration. This might mean you need to compromise on some elements - perhaps opting for more affordable travel or accommodation, or skipping the hen or stag do. While it may feel a little uncomfortable, being respectful and honest with the bride and groom about what you can and can’t afford is always the best approach.” 

It’s okay to say ‘no’ 

"It’s also worth remembering that it’s okay to decline an invitation if attending would put too much strain on your finances. In fact, we found nearly a third (31%) of Brits have said no to a wedding invite because of the cost of attending. While weddings are important celebrations, being honest about what you can comfortably afford can help you avoid unnecessary debt and ensure you’re still able to fully enjoy the events you do attend."