How Much Does It Cost to Attend a Wedding?

Based on the poll, the average wedding attendee in the United States spends $1,386.22 per celebration. Considering that Millennials are in the current age bracket that attends the most weddings, often going to several events a year, that number really adds up. In the pie chart below, it is clear that travel makes up the bulk of the expense, so if the majority of your loved ones choose to wed where you live, you can count yourself as one of the lucky ones. Though clothing is the lowest amount on the graph, it can still offer savings with smart choices. Consider wearing outfits you already have, and don’t be afraid to repeat looks at weddings without an overlap of guests from previous events. Both men and women can also rent high-quality clothing in order to look sharp without breaking the bank. 

While gifts are not technically required when attending a wedding, they’re certainly considered an important part of the social contract. A third of guests choose to stick to the registry while 60% go with money – be it through cash or check, a gift card, or a contribution to a honeymoon. While sites such as HoneyFund seem to be on the rise, only 9% of those polled said they helped to fund the honeymoon as their wedding gift. Brides and grooms will be relieved that only 3% gave no gift at all. 

For more, read Suze Orman's advice on sticking to your spending limit and what not to forget when deciding on your wedding budget.