A wedding is an expensive affair, not only for the couple getting married but for their bridal party and guests too.
A recent survey found that the average wedding guest spends around £368 ($460) to simply attend a wedding. Those who have to travel to their destination spend more, with those who drive to another area spending £528 ($660) on average, and those who fly spending over £1,000 ($1,270) to attend a wedding, research from wedding planning site The Knot found.
These prices are no small change, especially during a cost of living crisis – and this doesn’t account for the bridal party who may spend money on their dresses and suits, attending rehearsal dinners, and planning pre-wedding celebrations for the newlyweds.
Planning a considerate wedding in 2023 is a challenge. While the couple likely want to keep costs down for the sake of their own wallets, they also need to consider the financial impact their wedding will have on their guests too.
“You will know your guests best so have a think about who is attending and the impact your plans may have,” Matthew Shaw, creative director and founder of events studio Sauveur, says. “This does not mean you need to change your dream day to reflect the current economic situation but some careful thought can go a long way and I have always argued that the guest experience is one of the most important factors.
“This might be thinking about your hen or stag do plans to help the wedding party with costs in advance of the wedding itself, or thinking about the dress code or gifts. Everything can add up for your guests so certain gestures can go a long way.”
Being a member of a bridal party, costs can add up quickly. From bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen’s suits, to hair and makeup on the day, and paying to go on a weekend away, or even just a night out, for the hen or stag do.
While Shaw says it's common for the bridal party to pay for their own attire as well as their hair and makeup, offering to pay for it for them could save them a lot of money – you would just need to factor it in as part of your overall wedding budget.
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Yet, if they insist on paying, consider what you’re asking them to purchase. “Having bridesmaids dresses uniform in colour but not design has become very popular and is a great route to go down as it allows everyone to work within their own budgets or wear something they already own,” Shaw says.
“The same goes for groomsmen’s suits. Your bridal party is there to support you in the planning of your big day and honest conversations are key.”
While destination weddings can be a fun excuse to go somewhere abroad with the people you love the most, it can also add a strain to your guest’s budgets.
“If planned far enough in advance a lot of guests are happy to treat this as their holiday with a very special celebration as a part of it,” Shaw says. “If you are set on a destination wedding, it’s important to consider your guest’s experience with the location you choose as this can make all the difference.
“Some destinations require a quick direct flight and an overnight stay which can often end up being similar to a countryside wedding in the UK, but I have also seen weddings where guests are asked to take a long flight, then ferry, then a car. That can be a huge ask for your guests at the best of times and particularly at the moment. My one rule for destination weddings, whether you are providing accommodation or not, is you should always provide transport at the destination for your guests.”
Even if you are holding your wedding in the UK, if your guests are travelling from out of town it’s vital to consider the price points of nearby accommodation.
“When looking for your wedding venue you should always consider nearby accommodation options and ensure there is something to suit everyone,” Shaw advises. “The same goes for local transport links and how easy it is to get to the venue. If you’re planning a UK wedding it might be wise to check when the last train times are to see if there’s a moment some guests can leave if they are unable to stay overnight.
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“You should also consider what time your ceremony and celebrations will begin. If your wedding is further away from where you and your guests are usually based then an early ceremony may mean an additional overnight stay for guests which can be a lot to ask.”
While you may be certain of your wedding details from an early stage, don’t wait too long to fill in your guests on the particulars like where it is, the date, and the timings.
“If your guests are well informed of your plans within good time they can ensure they can explore all possible travel and accommodation possibilities and get the best possible rates,” Shaw says.
He adds that guests should also be across whether gifts are expected and what the dress code is, so they can budget accordingly.
“Buying outfits and gifts can often cost just as much as getting to the wedding itself,” he says. “Remember, this does not all mean you should be completely changing your wedding or planning something different than what you want; just be sure to consider the impact on your guests and make sure they are well informed and thought about during the planning.”
