Many Americans prioritize attending weddings, often willing to adjust other aspects of their budgets to participate in these key social events. According to a recent survey by PayPal, 90 percent of respondents said they would cut back on dining out, shopping, or gym memberships rather than miss a close friend’s wedding. However, the financial toll of travel, accommodation, and related expenses can be significant, with guests estimating average spending of around $1,400 per celebration.
For those attending weddings, especially those held abroad, managing costs has become a pressing concern. Andrew Schleeter, chief revenue officer of MerchCamp and a Manhattan resident, said he values the experience of wedding travel despite the expense, emphasizing the importance of supporting close friends. Others, like Caroline Sacks, a content creator from Brooklyn, have developed strategies to reduce lodging costs when attending multiple ceremonies. Since May 2025, Sacks and her fiancé have attended 16 weddings, frequently sharing hotel rooms with other couples to lower individual expenses. She prioritizes spending on airfare, rental cars, or pre-wedding beauty treatments over hotel costs and views shared accommodations as opportunities to socialize throughout the weekend.
In addition to traditional lodging, some guests are turning to home-swapping platforms such as Kindred, which operates on a credit-based system. Members earn credits by hosting others and can redeem them for stays across North America and Europe. Founded in 2021, Kindred has seen substantial growth, with over 150,000 new members in the past year. Schleeter has used the service since 2023 to secure lodging for weddings in Paris and Mexico, often inviting other attendees to stay with him through the platform to alleviate accommodation challenges.
Financial incentives, including credit card rewards and cash-back offers, are another tool for wedding travelers looking to offset costs. Sacks and her fiancé opened new credit cards with the requirement to meet minimum spending thresholds, aligning these with their wedding travel expenses to maximize benefits. However, financial advisors caution consumers to assess their overall financial health before pursuing this approach, warning that opening multiple new accounts quickly or carrying unpaid balances could negatively affect credit scores.
When it comes to flights, timing and loyalty programs are key considerations. Sacks, a loyal Delta flyer, recommends flexible scheduling, suggesting travelers opt for less expensive flights that may depart after the wedding day, even if it means missing events like farewell brunches. Travel expert Brian Kelly, founder of a popular travel advice site, counters the common belief that certain days of the week offer cheaper fares, explaining that pricing is driven primarily by demand. He advises booking domestic flights four to six weeks in advance to avoid penalties associated with early or last-minute purchases.
Wedding attendees also face costs for formalwear, often another significant expense. Many, especially younger generations, opt to re-wear favored outfits rather than acquiring new attire for each event. Maura Judge, a Manhattan resident, has relied on just two dresses over the past two years, including one initially purchased for a bridesmaid role that was later worn by her friend. Caitlin Poole, a writer from Durham, North Carolina, embraces resale shopping, having bought a bright pink dress for $250 that she has worn to eight weddings. Poole notes that repeat wearing not only saves money but also supports her commitment to sustainable fashion and eliminates the stress associated with picking new outfits for every occasion.
As weddings continue to be major social priorities, attendees are increasingly adopting a range of practical strategies to manage the financial demands of travel, lodging, and attire, balancing their desire to celebrate with friends and family against personal budgets and financial well-being.