How to plan a considerate wedding during the cost of living crisis

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.”

Try and pay for your bridal party attire where you can

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.

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.”

Think twice about holding a destination wedding

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.