top of page
Search

How Much Is Too Much? The Price of Attending a Wedding

Wedding guest cost

When people talk about wedding costs, they usually mean the price of planning one. But today, we’re flipping the script and talking about how expensive it is to simply attend a wedding. Spoiler alert: it adds up fast.


According to a recent article from The Knot, the average cost for a wedding guest in 2024 is $610, which is a $180 increase over the past five years.

So, what exactly are we paying for? In this episode of Deeply Invested, we break down the cost of attending both local and destination weddings, share our personal experiences (and regrets), and answer your biggest etiquette questions like:


💬 Is it okay to skip a wedding for financial reasons?


💼 What Goes Into the Wedding Guest Price Tag?


We talk about the different expenses that goes into being a wedding guest like travel, accommodation, attire, and a gift.


🎙️ Our Take: Honest Wedding Guest Conversations


We also shared our personal experiences and asked each other some real questions, like:

  • Have you ever skipped a wedding because of the cost?

  • Do you rewear outfits or buy something new every time?

  • Do you set a spending cap on gifts, travel, or accommodations?

  • What’s the most you’ve spent to attend a wedding—and was it worth it?

  • Is it okay to RSVP “No” just for financial reasons?


This isn’t just about etiquette—it’s about financial boundaries, priorities, and honoring your budget without guilt.


💡 Final Thoughts: You’re Not a Bad Friend for Sticking to a Budget


It’s totally valid to decline a wedding invitation because of cost—especially if attending means putting yourself into debt or sacrificing other financial goals. Weddings are important, but they’re just one day. Your financial well-being lasts a lifetime.


📌 Resources & Links:



Byyyeeeeeeeeee 


bottom of page