As happy as you are for your friend or family member on finding true love, sometimes you get the invitation and can’t help but cringe and wonder, “How much is this going to cost me?” 

Whether you’re a bridesmaid or just attending – a wedding can become costly very quickly. Being there for your loved one on their special day is important, but spending more money than is comfortable for you is not necessarily a show of support. Here are a few helpful tips for saving on someone else’s big day.

Travel with a friend(s) if the wedding is out-of-town. Traveling with others can save on transportation costs as well as providing an opportunity for shared hotel expenses. If you must fly try to book as far ahead as possible and/or search the web for lower cost tickets. Sites like Kayak, Hotwire and Travelocity may help you find lower hotel rates and airline tickets.

If you are asked to be a bridesmaid, don’t be afraid to ask the bride about the possibility of non-matching dresses. Be upfront about your budget and ask if you can pick out your own dress from a place you can afford. You may also want to consider borrowing a dress from a friend or relative. You may be surprised to find that other bridesmaids are in a similar situation.

Give a gift from the heart more so than from the wallet. Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to be cheap. Make something sentimental for the bridal shower and give a simple but fun gift for the bachelorette party. Find something both useful and sentimental for the actual wedding gift, even if it is small. A practical or creative gift can be appreciated just as much as the crystal and china listed on the registry.

If you feel it’s financially overwhelming, don’t be afraid to say you can’t be a bridesmaid. As long as you are honest and respectful about your reasons it shouldn’t be a problem to the bride. Offer to help out in other ways. And of course, still be there for her on the big day!

Saving money is always a good thing but don’t forget this is your loved one’s special day. A few sacrifices are expected, but be honest, kind and respectful…and live within your limits. What’s important is that your friend or loved one has your love and support, and that you both have a great time!

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