There comes a time in all of our lives when it seems like everybody we know is getting married. And if you are a balanced, connected individual who enjoys many friendships, you may be called upon to appear in a lineup of other cherished groomsdudes or bridesfolk. For a stacked wedding season, appearing in weddings can be a costly habit. This is especially true when you calculate travel, lodging, food, and wardrobe for each event. If you are one getting hitched, don’t forget the plight of your thinspread loved ones. Put together a ceremony that doesn’t require your besties to break the bank to fit the bill. With a little extra planning on your part, your wedding party can relax and enjoy the time, not try to recoup their spending on an nj online gambling site. Though if your friends are Jerseyan, they might be doing this anyway…
1) Don’t worry so much about uniformity. Just because everyone is wearing exactly the same outfit in the bridal magazines doesn’t mean that this is the only way things will look good. If your friends are the put together individuals we know they are, you can depend upon them to dress themselves within certain parameters. Let them know exactly what you want (white shirts, black shoes, etc.) but trust them to fit the bill without looking sloppy. Let them know as much. If someone needs a little extra guidance, give it to them. A mixed assemblage of people looking comfortable but still of a set will look great in the photos. Much better than a swarm of illfitted rented tuxedos.
If you absolutely cannot abide the idea of a nonuniform wedding party, or if your wedding is more formal, make sure that items that will have to be purchased will find a place in their useful wardrobe. If they have to buy it and can never hope to wear it again, you’re doing them no favors. Consider covering some of the details yourself, as gifts. Ties, bracelets, suspenders can be an extra focal point where everything matches, and you’ll do them a favor if you cover it.
2) Help out with housing. This is especially true if you find that many of your party are having to travel a great distance to attend your soiree. I have been on the receiving end of this thoughtfulness, and it makes a difference. When I got married, we rented a large house to hold the event. We realized that there were ample empty bedrooms that came with the house, and nearly all of our wedding party was able to stay for free. This helped tremendously for those who already had to fly all the way across the country. I you don’t have a situation like this, consider good area friends who might offer a bed. Let someone stay at your place. Get creative so your best friends don’t have to spend so much on lodging.
These are just two specific ways, but if you get in this mindset, you’ll find a lot of ways to make your wedding fun and beautiful without putting your party into debt. The little things count. Arrange for rides to and from the airport so taxis and trains aren’t the only solutions. Many weddings are having to be thrown on a budget. Make all the same considerations for your wedding party. They’ll thank you for it.