We’re in peak wedding season and a new nationwide survey is showing more than half (54%) feel weddings are becoming unaffordable for guests. This may be why traditional wedding etiquette surrounding gifts and RSVPs is changing.
In 2024, 1 in 3 have skipped a wedding because it was too expensive to attend. On average, Americans said they spend $360 for a local wedding and $901 for an out-of-town wedding. Those in the wedding party are spending an average of $1,131, but many aren’t willing to spend that much, as 29% have refused a wedding party role due to the cost.
The survey identified emerging financial trends:
- Reduced Gift-Giving: 59% view attending without a gift as acceptable; 72% of Gen Z agree
- No-Shows Increasing: 37% believe it’s acceptable to no-show after RSVPing yes
- Plus-One Expectations: 51% think all singles should receive plus-ones; 13% have asked for one
When it comes to no-shows, 31% believe brides and grooms should charge the guest for no-showing. In fact, 1 in 6 guests have been charged for no-showing, and on average, they were asked to pay $130!
