Rising expenses associated with attending weddings have led one in three guests to decline invitations, according to a recent poll. The financial burden includes costs for gifts, accommodation, pre-wedding events, and attire, with nearly half of Gen Z and 43 percent of millennials citing financial reasons for their declines.
August marks the peak wedding season, a period when guests face significant expenses. The average cost to attend a single wedding is approximately £316 per person. For individuals attending multiple weddings, the financial strain intensifies; 15 percent of Gen Z individuals surveyed reported attending three weddings, potentially costing them around £1,000. In response to these costs, 16 percent of guests have reduced spending on luxuries, 14 percent have cut back on everyday expenses, and 11 percent have stopped purchasing new clothing altogether.
While some guests expressed relief after declining an invitation, with 14 percent feeling this way, others reported feelings of guilt (8 percent) or fear of missing out (5 percent). A further 15 percent admitted to being tempted to decline but attending and absorbing the cost.
Destination weddings, popularized by celebrities, also contribute to the increasing pressure on guests. The average couple in the UK spends over £20,000 to get married. A spokesperson for Tesco Bank, which commissioned the research, acknowledged that while weddings are joyous occasions, they can impose a significant financial strain.