8 ways to enjoy a wedding without breaking the bank - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL

By Andrew Housser

If you've said "I do" to an invitation to a friend or family member's wedding recently, you know your role involves more than showing up. There may be a shower gift, bachelor or bachelorette party, wedding gift, a dress or suit to wear (with shoes and accessories), plus hotel and transportation expenses if the wedding isn't local. Covering all of these bases without draining the bank account may seem daunting, but is possible.

1. Don't postpone your shopping.

As soon as you know where the happy couple is registered, go online or to the store and pick out your gift. Shopping early assures the best selection -- and the selection that matches your budget. Alternatively, a gift card to the store is always a good idea, and since you choose the amount, you know it will fit your budget.

2. Shop around for better prices.

Registries can be helpful and convenient, but just because the couple is registered at a certain store doesn't mean you have to purchase an item there. If you find an item on the registry you wish to give, you can search for the same or similar product at a lower price either online or at other stores. This can be particularly effective for items such as kitchen appliances. If you purchase this way, just contact the store where the couple is registered so they can note that the item has been purchased.

3. Go in on a group gift.

Check with other wedding attendees about the possibility of sharing the cost of a more expensive gift that's out of your budget. Along with what is on the registry, splitting costs on a couple's spa package or dinner at an upscale restaurant can make for a well-received gift.

4. Get sentimental.

Gifts that come from the heart always leave a lasting mark, while being easier on the wallet. Make a picture collage or album of the couple from childhood to the present (enlist family members' help), create a personalized craft item, or write a letter telling the couple why you think the two make a perfect match.

5. Look for travel deals.

Sign up for email alerts from airlines and rental car companies so you'll be in the know when they offer special deals during the month you need to travel. Travelocity's free FareWatcher service tracks roundtrip air fares for multiple destinations and notifies you of price changes. Other sites, including Kayak and Expedia, can help you find the lowest prices on airfare, rental cars and hotels. Check any organizations to which you belong -- auto clubs, warehouse shopping clubs, college alumni groups -- for discounted prices at hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies and more.

6. Cash in your points.

If you learn that a destination wedding is in your future, start saving up points on credit cards and airlines. Some airlines offer free roundtrip tickets when you open an account and make a purchase. However tempting, be careful if you go this route, as these cards can have hefty interest rates. Charge only for things you need, and make sure you can afford to pay off the balance in full each month.

7. Buddy up.

If you don't have a plus-one date tagging along, ask the future Mr. and Mrs. for the names of other single attendees who might be willing to split the cost of a car or hotel room.

8. Don't buy garments just for the occasion.

Yes, it's important to look your best, but don't drop a fortune on a dress or suit that you'll never wear again. You can dress up the most basic of ensembles with jewelry, colorful wraps or a new tie.

A wedding should be a joyous occasion, but it's hard to partake in the festivities if you keep seeing dollar signs for all of your expenses. Your presence is really the best gift for the bride and groom. Everything else is icing on the wedding cake.

Andrew Housser is a co-founder and CEO of Bills.com, a free one-stop online portal where consumers can educate themselves about personal finance issues and compare financial products and services. He also is co-CEO of Freedom Financial Network, LLC providing comprehensive consumer credit advocacy and debt relief services. Housser holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University and Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College.