“I Do” costs wedding guests nearly $1,400: BMO U.S. Real Financial Progress Index

Wedding season is here! But between destination bachelorette parties, hotel blocks and  registry gifts, celebrating your favorite couples can get seriously expensive. 

According to data from the BMO Real Financial Progress Index, Americans are spending an average of $1,395 to attend a single wedding. This hefty price tag is sparking a trend of financial friction and "host guilt" in the modern wedding planning space. 

“Wedding season should be about celebrating loved ones, not stressing over your savings. But with the average guest spending nearly $1,400 per wedding, some Americans are feeling forced to choose between being supportive and making their own financial progress. Whether you are a guest feeling the financial pinch or a couple feeling guilty about the price tag, the key to navigating the season is proactive planning. By setting a realistic budget early on and making choices that honor your financial boundaries, you can celebrate truly meaningful moments without sacrificing your financial future.” 

- Robin Growley, Head of U.S. Consumer Products at BMO 

Guest stress and host guilt 

The data shows nearly 40% of Americans admit that attending the weddings of their loved ones is a direct source of financial stress, forcing many to balance their own financial progress against celebrating their peers. 

• Guest stress: Younger generations are feeling the pinch the most, with 50% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials reporting financial stress from attending weddings. 
• Host guilt: More than 4 in 10 (41%) married Americans are concerned about the financial burden placed on their wedding guests—a sentiment felt by 63% of Gen Z hosts and 58% of Millennial hosts. 

Breaking down the costs of celebrating 

The nearly $1,400 national average to RSVP "yes" adds quickly when factoring in the various expenses required to attend. The biggest average costs reported by wedding guests include: 

• Travel and accommodations: $398 
• Wedding gifts: $320 
• Clothing and attire (dress, suits, hair/make-up, etc.): $317 
• Food and drinks: $250 
• Other: $111 

These costs can also swing significantly higher depending on the region. Localized data highlights the financial toll on guests in major metropolitan areas: 

• Los Angeles: Angelenos report spending an average of $1,735 per wedding (with 49% of LA Gen Z and Millennials feeling financially stressed). 
• San Francisco: Bay Area residents are spending an average of $1,688 per wedding (with 51% of Bay Area Gen Z and Millennials feeling financially stressed). 
• Chicago: Chicagoans are spending an average of $1,320 per wedding (with 44% of Chicago Gen Z and Millennials feeling financially stressed) 

Making real financial progress this wedding season 

No one should have to go into debt just to attend a wedding. BMO offers the following tips to help manage expected costs: 

• Create a specific wedding season budget: Make a dedicated budget for wedding-related expenses. Track your expected incoming and outgoing money flow to accurately account for travel, accommodations, and gifts before you RSVP. 
• Set up recurring savings transfers: Once the "save the dates" arrive, establish a specific savings goal for the season. Setting up automatic transfers into a dedicated savings account—no matter the amount—will steadily build your wedding fund and provide a sense of motivation and progress. 
• Set clear financial boundaries: With nearly 40% of Americans feeling financial stress from attending weddings, it’s important to prioritize your own financial health. Be honest with yourself about what travel or events you can realistically take on without compromising your budget. It is okay to skip an event to cut costs. 
• Communicate early to alleviate financial stress: Honest conversations can reduce the financial guilt felt by both hosts and guests. Couples can help by sharing affordable lodging options early, while guests can coordinate group gifts to manage their outgoing expenses while still celebrating the couple. 
• Set your path to wedding season: Consider using a tool like BMO’s DollarGPS to create a plan to celebrate this wedding season that can account for all of your other financial responsibilities and keep you on track to making Real Financial Progress. 

To learn more about how BMO can help you make real financial progress, visit bmo.com.