Wedding costs soar (for guests)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference."If the wedding is out of town, you've got accommodation and transport costs. You have to buy a present, and buy yourself an outfit. And if you've got to attend four or five weddings in one summer, it can be pretty damned expensive," said Deborah Dwek, a London wedding planner.
Buying a new wedding outfit racks up a guest's wedding bill by an average of £84.70 each, the survey for Maestro debit card shows. Guests spend an average £55 per person on wedding presents, while drinks at the reception cost another £32.
Male guests tend to splash out more on presents, spending an average £65 each, compared to under £50 each spent by women.
Travel and accommodation account for the largest share in guests' expenses, costing an average of £90.45. Thanks in part to budget air travel, more and more couples are choosing to marry away from home, said Sonita Gale, of Time For You wedding planners.
"I deal with normal couples, not the super-rich, but when you add up the expenses, it can be quite a strain for some guests."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments