on June 11, 2019
In the upper Midwest, we often spend those long winter nights dreaming of summertime: lakes to jump into, bike rides to take, and evenings to spend barbecuing in the backyard. However, it seems as if winter ends and our summer calendars immediately fill up. With limited time to enjoy the summer, it’s sometimes hard to say “yes” to every invitation we receive, including wedding invites.
Weddings, especially those of dear loved ones, bring excitement and anticipation. But when you start losing precious time and money going to events of distant acquaintances, you might want to think of alternative ways to send your support. The cost of attending a wedding can add up quickly, especially if it’s an out-of-town affair, and in some cases it is prudent to decline the invitation rather than stretch your budget. Indeed, there are ways to say “no” to invitations, savor your summertime, save money, and revel in the excitement of the few weddings you do choose to attend.
How to Say No
The easiest way to decide whether or not to RSVP “yes” is to weigh the significance of your being in attendance. If you’re feeling wishy-washy about attending a wedding, chances are that the people getting married will not be devastated if you choose not to come. Certainly there will be others there to make the party memorable.
Ultimately, the most gracious way to RSVP “no” is to do so promptly and follow up with a sweet card or small gift in the mail. That way, you can assure the couple you are wishing them well, and you also have control over your time and money.
Money-Saving Gift Ideas
There are ways to offer a memorable and thoughtful gift without it being the most expensive item on the registry. One thoughtful idea is to choose a small kitchen item from the registry and include a few handwritten recipes from your personal collection. You could even include some ingredients to make a small cooking or baking kit.
Another inexpensive idea, especially to send to an out-of-town couple, is a pair of mugs and some coffee beans from your favorite local coffee shop. This is a nice way to send love from you and your home, even if you won’t be at the celebration in person.
Finally, you could assemble a small kit for planting kitchen herbs: a couple small pots, a jar of soil, and some seeds. Adding a handwritten note about growth, patience, and possibility makes it sweet and personal.
All things considered, the best way to save time and money on weddings you do not want to go to is to do just that: don’t go. Being discerning about all those invites will free your summer weekends up to do more of what you spent those winter nights dreaming about.