It's Been a Minute That friend's wedding is too dang expensive…
Dec 10, 2025
Join Annie Joy Williams, an Assistant Editor at The Atlantic, and Allyson Rees, a Senior Analyst at WGSN, as they tackle the hefty costs of attending weddings. They reveal shocking statistics about guest spending and the debt incurred by 31% of attendees. The duo discusses escalating expenses from bachelor/bachelorette parties to destination weddings, and the pressures of social media on extravagant expectations. They also share tips on setting boundaries and making budget-friendly choices, all while navigating friendship dynamics.
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Costly Destination Wedding Trip
- Allyson Rees spent about $5,000 to attend a friend's destination wedding in Bologna, including a flight and hotel.
- She called it worth it because it became a rare personal vacation nine months postpartum.
Personalization Drives Guest Costs
- Guest costs include travel, hotels, themed bachelorette events, and personalized merch.
- Allyson Rees says personalization and merch culture have driven up expectations and guest spending.
Genders Spend Similarly On Parties
- Men and women report similar spending on bachelor/bachelorette parties according to The Knot data.
- Anecdotal responses showed straight men felt pressured into expensive bottle and table service purchases.