Wedding Guest Expenses

You may think you're forking out a small fortune to give your guests the time of their lives on your wedding day, but have you ever thought about their expenses? Believe it or not, attending a wedding costs a pretty penny as well and we've done a little research on those average costs!

Average Cost for A Wedding Guest:

$701

With the average cost of a gift being $109 in 2014 and $592 for all other wedding-related expensive, you can see why it can be difficult for out of town guests to attend, especially if they're bringing along their family.

Think about it, $592 per person PLUS a $109 gift! That's a lot of money!

What guests have to pay for:

- The Gift: We all know that!

- Pre-Wedding Festivities: engagement parties, bridal showers, travel, and gifts for all of them!

- Travel: to and from the wedding (gas, flights, etc.)

- Transportation: rentals cars if they flew in town, taxi to and from the wedding

- Hotel: for at least the night, if not the weekend or week

- Attire: a dress, tux, suit, haircut, hairstyle, hair color re-touch, shoes, clutch, etc.

- Day Care: for the kids or even the pets!

So as you can see, there is a lot of planning (and $$) that goes into being a wedding guest. Ironic, isn't it??

Keep it to A Minimum

You've probably never even thought about it, but weddings aren't cheap for your guests...at all. So when choosing your wedding location, your room blocks, and decicing whether or not to provide a shuttle for your 150 guests, just remember, they are spending a good amount of money to be there. And of course they're doing it because they love you and wouldn't miss this day, but still. You can also do your part to keep their costs as a minimum :)

Statistics via Market Watch

Statistics via Market Watch

The (Not So) Overwhelmed Bride

Written with love, by Jillian Reeder

If you find yourself fighting to fall asleep every night during the months leading up to your wedding date, you aren’t alone! Stop counting wedding cake tiers to doze off, run your days a little more stress-free to rid sleep-less nights and high blood pressure.  Keeping these simple tips and facts in mind can create a more productive planning process for you and your bridal party!

1.)    Certain foods can boost your serotonin levels  and bring down your cortisol levels.  Most are probably familiar with serotonin, the chemical that regulates your moods; complex carbs which most brides will want to stay far away from will boost your serotonin levels.

Heart healthy and diet plan approved complex carbs to eat range from whole wheat pastas and breads to classic morning meals like oatmeal.

Cortisol is the stress hormone we want to have less of every day. Higher levels of this hormone increases chances of blood sugar imbalance and high blood pressure, and decreases bone density, muscle tissue, and immunity responses.

Cortisol levels can be dramatically decreased by eating oranges and drinking black tea!

 2.)    If you have ever dreamed of a natural alternative to Xanax or Zoloft, it exists. St. John’s Wort is known as a curing herb that comes in both pill and liquid form. It reduces anxiety while also combatting effects from stress we’re often fighting to get rid of the day before the ceremony. Those killer stress breakouts can be cured with the magical wort. Keep in mind when using the liquid form to consult with a doctor if you have sensitive skin.

3.)    Pop a stick of gum in your mouth before all planning and bridal functions take place. Gum has been proven to reduce stress levels and unwanted snacking.

4.)    Craft on! This can be a double-whammy if you are a DIY-kind-of-bride. Claim a night to get together with your bridesmaids and take down 2-3 ideas you are head over heels for and go to town with your ladies. If you aren’t so crafty grab your cabaret and take down the simple cutting and pasting and let your gals take on the more challenging steps.

5.)    Check out these stress-free fix products & carry one that works for you in your purse:

The Relaxx Ring – A personal favorite for hair-tearing days!

Rica Bath Tub Tea – Enjoy a cup of black tea while you soak just like one!

Origins Feel Good Hug Because everyone needs a hug!

Aveda Stress Fix Lotion  This heavenly lotion also has its own tailored Stress-Fix massage if you are conveniently near an Aveda Spa.

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Get The Gown is the nation’s leading online destination for renting high-end designer bridal fashion. We help member brides get into their dream wedding dress without the retail price and burdens of ownership. All of our dresses are available to try on in the comfort of your home with no commitments.

Get The Gown features an exclusive collection of unique, authentic wedding gowns and accessories by luxury designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, and Yumi Katsura. Your options are endless with rentals up to 90% off retail.

So have your cake and eat it too, like a princess.

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A White Affair: White Wedding Inspiration

Once upon a time, wearing white to a wedding was taboo. Unless, of course, you were the bride. Well times have changed and this taboo is no more! The new trend is moving toward bridesmaids dressed in white, along with the bride. Celebrities such as Kate Middleton, who's maid of honor sported the color (or lack of color), and Kim Kardashian whose entire bridal party wore white, have followed this trend.

So the question is, what do all of you think about it? Do you want to be the only person wearing white on your big day or are you okay with sharing the color?

Tell us what you think!