The High Cost of Being a Wedding Guest in 2023

The rising cost of weddings, fueled by social media pressure to put on more extravagant affairs, is causing some guests to go into debt. The average cost of a wedding rebounded above 2019 levels last year, hitting $30,000 on average, according to The Knot. For guests, 40% have gone into debt to attend weddings, jumping to 62% if they were also in the bridal party, an April LendingTree survey found. Social media pressure is making people want more luxurious weddings and related events that they may not be able to afford.