The Wedding Guest’s Guide: How to Save When You Save the Date

If you’re in your mid- to-late twenties, you’re probably getting lots of “Save the Dates” and wedding invites for yearend, crowding your calendar and busting your yearend budget. Add holidays and travel, and you’re heading for a perfect storm of overspending.

Not to worry. Whether you’re a friend, relative, plus-one or a ninong/ninang, you can have a great wedding season with some advance planning, creativity, thoughtfulness -- and a touch of peso-pinching.

Before you go on an RSVP spree, assess your financial situation and set a realistic budget -- from wedding gifts, to travel and accommodations, to that oh-so-important outfit. Follow these six top tips to navigate this multi-episode rom-com-in-the-making with your savings and sanity intact:

1. Being a Bridesmaid/Groomsman

You love your friend and are honored to be asked. But not all friends have the same finances. If the custom-made formal wear, costs for a fancy bridal shower or bachelor party, and trip to the wedding itself are out of your range, politely decline. Don’t give in to guilt or peer pressure, then spend months under a cloud of anxiety about the costs. Just call your friend and have that conversation early on. A true friend will not want to put you in a tight spot, and they’ll have plenty of time to find a replacement.

2. Manage Your RSVPs Early

Unless you have teleportation abilities, you cannot be everywhere at once. Don't be afraid to decline invitations if they don't fit your budget or schedule. Decline and send a note thanking them for including you as a chosen guest. Your friends will surely understand, especially if you RSVP well before the deadline. You can make it up to the couple later, by arranging an intimate and meaningful celebratory meetup where you’ll actually have time to laugh, relax and talk about their new life.

3. Organize DIY or Group Gifts

No need to spend a fortune. In this era of condos and overseas living, huge household items may not be what your friends need. Dig up those special memories with the couple to create meaningful DIY gifts no registry will have. Offer your pro bono services with a personal touch for hosting, wedding program videos, hair and makeup, giveaway pastries, venue styling and more: the happy couple will surely appreciate the loving gesture! (And your bank account will no doubt celebrate with you). Organize your barkada to pool resources and talents for group gifts such as sponsoring the bridal shower, or covering the cost for the wedding videographer’s team.
Give the gift of protection to the happy couple

One thoughtful gift idea is the gift of protection. FWD KanGift stands out among the usual wedding gifts. And you can buy it online. After your purchase, the happy couple will receive an email with a voucher code for them to finish the sign-up. No need for medical exams or time-consuming steps. Its effortless process makes it a great gift for those who are looking for a thoughtful and easy-to-buy gift-giving solution. Each of the KanGift options, whether it’s KanLive, KanMend or KanGuard, are available as annual coverage for people ages 18 to 50 years old for just ₱1,799/year. Gift the happy couple KanGift so they can start their new life together protected. They will thank you later for your thoughtfulness.

4. Care to Share… Travel Costs

Apart from group gifts, consider carpooling or sharing accommodations with other guests. Look for group airfare/hotel promos, flex those miles, and allot plenty of time to collect everyone’s passports and other documents. A road trip with the friends or family is always more fun (and less costly) than one braved alone. Chip in for fuel, food and conversation, and assign tasks like navigating, snacks and trip research to different people. You may even opt to stop by some tourist spots near the wedding venue, to maximize your travel time and expenses. Note: If you’re attending with your kids – for example, the flower girl or ringbearer, outfits and all – consider the logistics before agreeing.

5. Dress to Impress, Without Stress

You don’t need a new outfit for every wedding. Far ahead of time, raid your closet to mix and match, and accessorize like a champ. An old outfit can be altered, dress shoes can be polished or re-soled. One well-fitting, classic dress or suit can see you through different weddings. If there’s really nothing in your closet, you can also borrow or rent an outfit. Focus on natural, cost-free ways to “glow-up” from inside out -- daily movement and exercise, enough rest/sleep, and healthy food -- and you’ll look great without spending much. Go for minimalist hair and makeup—you don’t want to upstage the couple. Just take it easy and have fun.

6. BYOB (Bring Your Own Baon—or Booze)

When a wedding requires travel, bring your own snack stash for the road to manage your meal expenses. Many weddings are held at hotels or resorts, where the room tab can add up faster than you can say “open bar.” On the big day, pack crackers or candy in case of delays, or if you need it, your own ‘liquid courage’ for that best man/bridesmaid’s speech or dance performance. Just drink responsibly—you don’t want to wake up the next day regretting your spontaneous performance that is now immortalized on the couples’ FB reels (wink!).

So, there you have it. With a little planning and a whole lot of love, you'll breeze through wedding season like a pro. Go forth, frugal friends, may your dance moves be as epic as your savings account. Cheers to love, laughter, and saying “I do” to financial responsibility!