How Your Wedding Doesn't Need To Be A Financial Burden On Friends

Congrats on getting hitched — but you're putting me in debt!

PROBLEM: It starts small — like not including stamps with the RSVP notes

wordpress.com

+ 49 cents

SOLUTION: Send stamps and envelopes with your RSVP! Is it that hard?

priceofastamp.com

PROBLEM: Wedding party outfits can be pricey — and we probably won't wear it ever again!

eonline.com

Groomsmen: Suit rental, on average, $150

Bridesmaids: Dress, on average, $150-300

SOLUTION #1: Let us pick our clothes based on your color scheme — We know what looks best on ourselves!

blogger.com

SOLUTION #2: Utilize your crafty friends and relatives who can sew the wedding party clothes

i557.photobucket.com

Preferably retired or have-lots-of-free-time friends and family

SOLUTION #3: Have groomsmen buy non-brand-name suits from cheaper stores — then they can keep it!

lp.hm.com

H&M suit pants + blazer = $105

PROBLEM: Those epic bachelor/bachelorette parties rack up bills

thescrib.com

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas — including my savings account

Flight to Las Vegas: $200-400

Hotel room: $200-500

Food: $100-300

Drinks: $100-300

SOLUTION: Do something cheap — like camping... Money saved can go to activities like rafting

primermagazine.com

Groups get discounts on rafting trips, $40-100 each person

PROBLEM: Wedding travel and lodging

wordpress.com

Who wants to bunk together??

Sure, it's not your fault that we don't live in the same cities. But do you need to have your wedding at that swanky venue and require everyone to get rooms there? Ouch

Hotel room for before and after wedding: $100-400

SOLUTION #1: Plan your wedding in a convenient location, or have shuttles from an easy spot

vipshuttle.com.au

Getting a shuttle bus also helps if your ceremony and reception are in different places!

SOLUTION #2: If you have a destination wedding, don't expect everyone to make it

blogger.com

But that's kind of the point, ey?

PROBLEM: Asking for cash in lieu of wedding gifts

etsy.com

Seems thoughtful not to ask for a present — but, in reality, having to dish out cash can be more expensive that a toaster. It's hard to write $20 on that card — but it's also hard not to, after all the other expenses!

Real cost: $100-200

SOLUTION: Let us give you whatever you want!

weddingideasmag.com

We'll use your registry — if you keep it reasonable.

And the best solution? ELOPE

weddingchicks.com

Make it about just you two! Save money, save stress — and privately celebrate your love!