Just Say NO To Spending Too Much Money

and YES To Avoiding Wedding Guest Debt! 

©iStockphoto.com/hidesy

In order to survive wedding season, especially this year, we all need to go on a wedding diet. Face it, your friend’s wedding may be recession-proof, but your attendance is not. The thing you MUST remember for your personal wedding diet is that by saying no every now and then you are actually saying yes to the things that are most important. You are NOT to go broke - or into debt - attending your friend’s wedding!

Last wedding season a friend of mine was “bullied” into chipping in $100 for a video camera wedding gift that the bride and groom really wanted to take on their honeymoon. Everyone else contributing to this group gift - except my friend - was in the wedding party. My friend wanted to contribute to the sought-after gift but couldn’t reasonably give $100 and also thought that since she was not a member of the wedding party she should probably spend a little less than the others.

My friend asked if she could still be a part of the gift but contribute less. The answer was not only no, but that without her full contribution the entire group (the wedding party) couldn’t afford the gift. So what did my friend do? She contributed the full amount - that really, she didn’t have - and this meant that something else she needed - like gas money - was going onto her credit card. By contributing to the “perfect” gift, my friend in turn helped contribute to her own, very personal debt.

The word NO is vital to the wedding diet and is aimed at keeping you out of financial worry. And frankly, wouldn’t you rather be in diet than in debt? The 4 simple rules for the wedding diet are:

1. MOST IMPORTANT: If you can’t afford it, don’t do it;
2. What you can contribute, is MORE than enough;
3. Don’t fall to pressure and just give in; and
4. NEVER be ashamed about not being able to contribute enough!

I will repeat, by saying no you are learning to say yes to what is most important.

If you are the group gift organizer that puts pressure on other guests, STOP IT! Find a gift everyone can afford, or invite more people to contribute - what they can - until you hit the total cost. Trust me, the bride and groom will find it more than thoughtful. Take a second with your good intentions - I do recognize they are good - and think about what you are asking of others. Keep the pressure off.

Another thing to think about when purchasing a group gift: keep in mind the specialness, timelessness and usefulness of the gift. Technology is always evolving, so that perfect camera might be useless in two years. Luggage on the other hand makes for a great group gift. It can also be used on the couple’s honeymoon and doesn’t change too much over time.

Related topics:

1. SWS Pick: Versatile J.Crew Bridesmaid Dress Under $200
2. Lingerie Showers Leading To An Affordable, Sexier Me
3. Expert Survival Tip: Reselling Your Bridesmaid Or Wedding Dress by Judy Meggs
4. Bridesmaid Gifts We Love: Three Olia Designs Earrings For Under $100
5. Expert Survival Tip: Design Affordable Flowers Like A Pro by Sarah von Pollaro
6. Host A Clothing Swap, Rock A New Dress 

Have a great wedding survival tip to share with the Survive Wedding Season community? Email your tips to solutions@surviveweddingseason.com.

Your Attendance Is Appreciated! ™  

Tags: Affording Wedding Gifts, Amount To Spend On Wedding Gifts, Avoid Wedding Guest Debt, How Much Should You Spend On A Wedding Gift, How To Be A Great Wedding Guest, How To Stand Up To The Maid Of Honor, How To Survive Wedding Season Without Going Into Debt, Splitting Wedding Gifts, The Perfect Wedding Gift, The Wedding Diet, Wedding Advice, Wedding Blog, Wedding Expenses, Wedding Gift Etiquette, Wedding Gift Expenses, Wedding Group Gifts, Wedding Guest Etiquette

You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.