If the thought of emotionally and financially surviving another wedding season as a single person has you stressed, don’t be. You’re not alone.
More than 67 million Americans attended at least one wedding in 2014, according to American Express.
Whether you find yourself suddenly single or you have been solo for some time, we have gathered some money-saving tips for singles traveling to weddings near and far. Who knows? These tips might even help you meet your plus one along the way.
TIP: Set aside a portion of your paycheck each week
The average cost for guests to attend a wedding is $592, according to American Express. Costs add up – from traveling to each wedding-related event, like the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelor or bachelorette party and wedding, to buying clothes for each occasion and purchasing gifts for the happy couple. The average length of engagement is 14.7 months, according to BRIDES magazine, so you’ll have plenty of money if you start by saving the cost of two lattes per week beginning on the week the couple gets engaged.
TIP: Team up with friends to split hotel costs
Stay with a group and save by pairing up with other singles on the guest list. Try opting for a room upgrade that offers free breakfast for added savings. Not only will you save money on splitting a double room and staying near the wedding venue, but you may also make some new friends in the process.
TIP: Be a savvy travel agent
Some 24 percent of weddings are destination weddings, according to TheKnot.com. If the wedding destination has more than one airport, shop around and try to fly to an airline’s hub to save on the fare. When comparing airports, calculate ground transportation costs to ensure you are really saving money overall. Try to fly at off-peak times like mid-week and mid-day for added savings.
If the destination is out-of-the-way, save your frequent flyer miles or, if you’re short on time or don’t travel much, apply for a credit card that offers a hefty airline miles promotion at sign-up. Some cards offer enough miles for a free trip.
TIP: Seek alternative accommodations
Forgo the hotel and opt for condos or vacation homes. Save money by renting one condo or home with multiple rooms and splitting the cost with other guests. Most condos and homes have full kitchens, so you won’t have to eat out for every meal.
TIP: Save on the basics to splurge on the treats
If money is tight, save on the basics, like opting for cheap eats and waiting to drink until the wedding reception’s open bar, so you can splurge for more expensive add-ons like spa treatments.
TIP: Make friends with locals
Ask the bride and groom if they have friends or family who live in the city where the wedding is being held or use social media to find singles in the area. Locals can introduce you to all the cool, cheap cafes, popular nighttime hotspots and hidden gems. Plus, you will have free tour guides!
TIP: Carpool
Carpool from your home to the destination and you will save on gas and meet new friends in the process. If you’re flying or taking a train to the wedding, share a taxi from the airport or train station to the hotel or chip in on a car rental.
TIP: Get creative with gift giving
Most guests spent an average of $109 on a wedding gift in 2014 ($200 if the recipient was a close family member), according to American Express. Sharing the expense with a friend, looking for promo codes and free shipping offers from online retailers or making a homemade gift, like a scrapbook of the happy couple, will help you save on gift costs.
TIP: Cross your fingers the wedding destination is on sale
May and June, followed by September, continue to be the most popular months for saying “I Do.” During these months, most of the Caribbean is on sale — it is considered the off-season during the hottest time of the year. Europe is also on sale. The euro is nearly equivalent to the dollar, and the two currencies haven’t been equal since late 2002! The result is a close-to-perfect situation for European travel this year. Plus, cheap destinations tend to have more singles looking to stretch their savings.
(Main Image: Hard Rock San Diego)
