Weddings don't come cheap, not only for the bride and groom planning the big day but also for the guests preparing to celebrate with friends or family. But how much do you actually need to save in order to afford to attend a UK wedding?
READ: Everything you need to know about your wedding drinks - including the real cost
New research commissioned by Missguided pulled together the average costs for travel, hotel stays, outfits, alcoholic drinks and more – and it turns out that you may need to put a week of your salary aside.
WATCH: 10 of the most spectacular HELLO! exclusive weddings
It found the total average price for guests came to a whopping £685.81, which means you'd have to work for around 44 hours (based on the UK average hourly wage of £15.59) to afford to attend. But that number is even higher if the nuptials are being held in Cheshire East, which was named the most expensive place in the UK to attend a wedding, costing £881.83 or 56.5 hours of work.
However, it's good news for those that live in the Shropshire area, as that would only cost an average of £580.75 or 37.2 hours of work.
MORE: Who should pay for your wedding? Etiquette expert reveals all
READ: 18 tips for planning a wedding on a budget
Wedding guests will have to save for around one week
Unsurprisingly, most of the money goes towards a hotel, which is very common for wedding guests – even if you're lucky enough to live in the same area as the happy couple, the chances are that they are planning their big day away from their home town. In fact, the research revealed 46% of people would travel over 50 miles to attend a wedding.
Wedding guest dresses and drinks add to the costs
August is the most popular month for couples to get married, and the research found that the average cost of a hotel stay at the weekend would be £228.83. Once you add on the price of a suit or a wedding guest dress – around £196 and £80 respectively – and a £100 wedding gift, that can see your budget quickly creep up.
Cowl neck midi, was £99 now £79.20, Coast
SHOP NOW
Satin slip dress, was £26 now £13, Missguided
SHOP NOW
If you've got a wedding to attend this year, take a look at the top ten most expensive places in the UK and prepare to start budgeting!
1. Cheshire East: £881.83 (56.5 hours)
2. Westminster: £814.12 (52.2 hours)
3. Manchester: £737.43 (47.3 hours)
4. Northumberland: £696.80 (45 hours)
5. Cornwall: £688.45 (44.1 hours)
6. Leeds: £627.58 (40.2 hours)
7. Liverpool: £621.33 (40 hours)
8. Birmingham: £597.04 (38.2 hours)
9. County Durham: £586.60 (37.6 hours)
10. Shropshire: £580.75 (37.2hours)
MORE: The real cost of being a wedding guest - and how to save money
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
Planning your wedding? Sign up to HELLO!’s brand new Bride Guide newsletter for expert advice, budget help, wedding inspiration and real life stories delivered straight to your inbox.
