15 Smart Ways to Save Money as a Wedding Guest

Attending a wedding is an honor—but it can also be expensive. Between travel, accommodations, outfits, and gifts, the costs can add up quickly. And if you’re invited to multiple weddings in one year? Your budget might take a serious hit.

The good news is: you can celebrate with the couple without draining your savings. Here are 15 practical ways to save money when attending a wedding.

1. Use credit card points for flights or hotels

Redeem those hard-earned points to help cover your travel or lodging. And if it’s a destination wedding, consider turning it into a short vacation while you’re there.

2. Split housing with other guests

Rent a house or share a hotel room with friends or family to reduce your lodging costs. Group stays can also make the experience more fun and social.

3. Carpool or split a rental car

Save on gas or ride-share costs by coordinating travel with other guests—especially for out-of-town weddings.

4. Pack thoughtfully to avoid last-minute spending

Make a packing list to ensure you bring everything you need. Forgetting essentials can lead to overpriced purchases at the hotel or venue.

5. Go in on a group gift

Team up with others to give a larger registry item or a more meaningful gift without spending a ton individually.

6. Get creative with a DIY or sentimental gift

If you’re crafty, consider making a photo album, writing a heartfelt letter, or creating a custom piece of art for the couple.

7. Rent your outfit

Use services like Rent the Runway, Nuuly, or The Black Tux to rent a dress or suit for a fraction of what you'd spend buying something new.

8. Rewear or borrow an outfit

No shame in outfit repeating! Wear something you already own or borrow from a friend to save money and reduce waste.

9. Politely decline if it’s out of budget

It’s okay to say no—especially if you're not close with the couple or if the travel and accommodations are just too much. Send a thoughtful note and/or small gift instead.

10. Stay somewhere with a kitchen

If you're traveling, booking a place with a kitchen allows you to prep meals instead of dining out. In hotels, bring snacks and water from home to avoid minibar markups.

11. Don’t attend every single event

Weddings often come with showers, bachelor(ette) parties, welcome dinners, and brunches. Choose the ones that fit your relationship with the couple and your budget.

12. Book travel early and set price alerts

Airfare and lodging usually get more expensive closer to the date. Booking early—or setting a Google Flights or Hopper alert—can help you snag better rates.

13. Shop sales or discount racks for outfits

If you need to buy something new, check clearance racks, off-season sales, or shop secondhand through sites like Poshmark or ThredUp.

14. Set a wedding season budget

Got a packed calendar? Map out what you’ll realistically spend on each wedding—including travel, gifts, and attire—and stick to it.

15. Avoid putting wedding costs on a high-interest credit card

If you can’t pay it off in full, it’s not worth it. Skip the impulse buys and focus on what’s affordable now to avoid future interest charges.

Final Thoughts

Weddings are about celebrating love—not proving your generosity with your wallet. Being a thoughtful guest doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With a little planning and a few smart decisions, you can enjoy the big day and protect your financial goals.