Gone are the days when just turning up with a card and a smile would do. Nowadays, the price tag on being a wedding guest can be surprisingly steep, from travel and accommodation to outfits and gifts, the costs soon add up.
The Rising Cost of Being a Wedding Guest
Our recent study has shown that the average guest spends between £500 and £700 attending a single wedding. That figure covers everything such as travel there and back, the hen party or stag do, buying a present and dressing up for the big day. When you think about it, that’s a significant chunk of money for a day’s celebration.
The Average Cost of Attending a Wedding in the UK
There are a lot of elements that contribute to the cost of being a wedding guest. Let’s break down what makes up that average.
Wedding Travel Costs
Whether it’s a quick train ride across town or a weekend away in the countryside, travel can be the first big hit to your wallet. For many, the cost of getting to and from the venue isn’t just a one-off journey. Factor in:
- Petrol or train tickets, often upwards of £50 each way.
- Flights if it’s a destination wedding.
- Trains, buses and taxis.
- Parking charges.
A short train ride across town could be around £20–£50 return. Long-distance train tickets, especially without advance booking, might cost £100–£150. Flights, if attending a destination wedding, quickly push costs even higher.
Accommodation
Destination weddings or those in remote locations usually need an overnight stay. Hotels or Airbnbs in popular cities can be booked up and pricey. Expect to pay anywhere from £80 to £200 per night, depending on where it is. You might even want to stay two nights to delay the long journey home.
Outfits
With every wedding comes high expectations for you to dress the part which can be expensive. Guests often spend £150 to £300 on new clothes and sometimes more if the wedding is very formal or has a themed dress code. Add shoes, accessories, jewellery and dry cleaning bills and your outfit budget quickly grows.
Wedding Gifts
The gift is an important tradition. Wedding gifts in 2025 cost on average around £70 to £100. If you’re attending multiple weddings a year, that amount can multiply fast. And don’t forget, couples often register for high-end items or request cash or a bank transfer so a simple toaster is rarely on the list.
Hen and Stag Parties
On average, guests attending a hen party or stag do can expect to spend anywhere between £200 and £400. The variation depends largely on the location, activities planned and the length of the celebration. For example, a simple night out in the city might lean towards the lower end, while a weekend away in a popular destination with organised activities such as boat trips, spa days, or club entries can easily push costs above £400.
Other Costs of Being a Wedding Guest
Beyond the big-ticket items, there are plenty of smaller costs that add up. Think about:
- Food, drinks and extras on the day beyond what’s provided.
- Hair and nail appointments.
- Potential childcare or pet care while you’re away.
Regional and Seasonal Variations
Not all weddings are created equal when it comes to costs. A city centre wedding in London can quickly drain your budget thanks to pricey hotels, transport and higher food and drink costs. Alternatively, a countryside celebration in rural Scotland might mean cheaper drinks but higher travel expenses and limited accommodation options.
Season also matters. Summer weddings and those held over bank holiday weekends usually come with higher hotel and travel prices, as demand increases. In the most popular wedding destinations abroad, you could be looking at costs that far exceed the UK average. So, location really does matter!
Multiple Weddings in One Year
It’s one thing to budget for a single wedding, but what happens when you’ve got three, four, or even five invites landing on your doormat in the same summer? Suddenly, your diary looks like a season of Don’t Tell the Bride! The key is to get smart with your spending and prioritise.
First, accept that you don’t need a new outfit for every event. Mix and match accessories, rent or rotate your looks. Chances are, you won’t bump into the same crowd at every wedding. Second, set a realistic budget per wedding and stick to it. If you know you’ve got four celebrations coming up, divide your total budget evenly so you don’t splurge on the first and struggle later.
When it comes to gifts, don’t feel pressured to go big every time. Thoughtful, personalised presents or teaming up with other guests to contribute to a group gift can ease the strain. And most importantly, remember you can say no. If travel or costs are becoming overwhelming, it’s okay to politely decline. Real friends will understand. And after all, weddings are about celebrating love, not draining your bank account.
Tips to Cut Costs of Being a Wedding Guest
Weddings are expensive to attend but there are ways to keep the costs down without feeling like you’re missing out on the fun. Here are some of our top tips:
- Car Share or Group Travel: Coordinate with other guests to split fuel or hire a minibus. It’s greener and cheaper.
- Stay with Friends or Family: If you know anyone local, ask if you can crash for the night instead of paying for a hotel.
- Rewear or Rent Your Outfit: Renting a formal outfit is becoming more popular and can save hundreds. Alternatively, consider tweaking an outfit you already own with new accessories.
- Gift Collectives: Pool money with other guests to buy a bigger gift together, easing the burden.
- Plan Ahead for Stag or Hen Parties: These can be a major expense but planning early helps avoid last-minute costly splurges.
- Book Travel Early: Advance bookings for trains and flights can be much cheaper than last-minute purchases.
Why Are Costs Rising?
Several factors explain why attending weddings is getting pricier:
The Inflation Effect: General inflation means everything costs more, from petrol to hotel rooms.
Bigger and Fancier Weddings: Couples want their big day to be memorable and often splurge on venues and extras that guests indirectly pay for.
Destination and Weekend Weddings: These require more travel and accommodation, upping the cost for guests.
Increased Expectations: There is more pressure on guests to dress fashionably and give generous gifts, partly due to social media and wedding culture trends.
Non-Financial Costs
It’s not just your wallet that feels the pinch. Being a wedding guest can take a toll in other ways too. Time is a big one with travel to and from venues, overnight stays and sometimes taking days off work. If you’re juggling back-to-back weddings, it can feel a bit like a marathon.
Then there’s the emotional side. Social expectations can creep in such as worrying about whether your gift is generous enough, if your outfit is nice enough or if missing a wedding will offend your friend. The pressure can be draining but remember that most couples care way more about your presence than your presents and it’s perfectly fine to set boundaries.
Is It Worth Attending a Wedding?
Despite the cost, of course, attending a wedding is worth it. It’s a chance to catch up with loved ones, celebrate milestones and enjoy a day filled with love, laughter and often great food, music and dancing.
If you are facing multiple weddings in a year, it’s totally fine to be upfront with close friends or family about the cost pressure you’re under. Most people understand and sometimes the gift can be scaled down without anyone being offended. They’ll just be happy that you were there for their special day.
The Cost of Being a Wedding Guest in 2025
Being a wedding guest in 2025 is no small commitment, especially financially. With average costs approaching £750 per wedding, it pays to be savvy and plan carefully. From travel and accommodation to gifts and outfits, every aspect adds up. But with a bit of planning and budgeting, you can celebrate those special days without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a regular wedding goer or gearing up for your first invite of the year, knowing what to expect helps you enjoy the day with less stress. After all, weddings are about the people and the memories, not the price tag.
