Wedding season hit on guests’ big-day budget
WEDDINGS are a notoriously expensive business, even if you are not the ones who are actually tying the knot.
Many will be preparing for the cost of other people’s nuptials ahead of the spring and summer wedding season.
One in three Britons expects to attend at least one wedding this year and will on average spend a hefty £303. With many attending three weddings, the total bill could rise to more than £900, according to research from American Express.
This is more than the £809 the average couple spends on their own wedding rings.
The honour of being chosen as a bridesmaid comes with a particularly hefty price tag, costing £450 on average, while ushers cough up £553.
For guests, the biggest expense is usually the gift at an average £57, plus another £54 for the hotel and £50 on an outfit.
Travel costs, attending a stag or hen do, drinks and a hair and beauty session all raise the total.
However, there are signs guests are reining in their wedding spending amid wider economic uncertainty, with last year’s bill far higher at £432.
American Express director Maggie Boyle said there are few greater honours than being asked to celebrate a couple’s wedding day: “However, the costs can still mount up, especially if the invitations are arriving thick and fast.”
Last year, a survey of 4,000 brides by wedding planning website Hitched.co.uk revealed that the average wedding costs a whopping £27,161, which is an all-time high.