Brides know better than anyone that weddings are a fortune, but somehow we forget that we’re not the only ones incurring charges just because we’re getting married. Consider the following when you’re making some key wedding decisions, and your guests (and their wallets) will thank you.
Hold your wedding near where most of your guests live.
Destination weddings are lovely…and costly. You’re guaranteeing that guests pay for flights and hotel rooms, on top of taking time off from work. If others’ bank accounts are a priority, host both your ceremony and reception in a central location for the bulk of your guests.
Negotiate for the lowest hotel room rate possible.
Even if you stay local for your wedding, odds are some far-flung guests will have to spend the night near your venue. You owe it to those weary travelers to reserve rooms at a reasonable rate. Don’t just accept the quote the first hotel gives you. Shop around, and pit the hotels against each other so you get the best price. And if the hotel won’t budge on the price, see if it’s cheaper to book rooms through a travel site, and tip off your guests to reserve that way.
Don’t have a million extra parties.
An engagement party. A bridal shower. A lingerie bachelorette party. And THEN a wedding. That’s a lot of gifts for your guests to buy you. One additional celebration besides the wedding is standard. Two or more extra gift-giving occasions is asking a little much of your hard-working guests.
Register for nice, affordable gifts.
You know to register for presents in a range of prices to accommodate a range of budgets. But it’s considerate to add well-priced gifts to your wishlist that can stand alone, say, a large and luxe-looking bowl for $30, rather than several spatulas that cost $10 each. People tend to be more comfortable giving one complete gift than cobbling together an equal-priced present that consists of a giant spoon, a pizza cutter, and a can opener.
Don’t make it black-tie.
Unless you travel in certain circles, the guys aren’t likely to own tuxedos. Even though you’re buying a one-time-wear outfit, it’ll save guests money if you don’t expect the same of them. Is it so offensive if guys don’t have satin stripes on their pants anyway?
Invite their kids.
Babysitters are expensive–especially ones for six or more hours on Saturday nights. If you can swing it, include children in your guest list. Or if you absolutely want an adults-only affair, hire a couple of local teens to watch a group of your guests’ kids in a secluded room at the wedding venue.
How else can you make attending your wedding more affordable for guests? Do you care if your guests have to spend a lot of money to see you get married?
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