FragranceDirect.co.uk has found that we are particularly tight bottomed when it comes to attending other people's weddings.
Weddings on Female First
Despite it being the 'best day of someone's life'- that someone might be a close friend or family member- the average Brit finds it impossible to see past the price tag of attending a wedding.
With hen and stag parties, an outfit for the occasion, hotels, travel and the gift, the average cost of attending a wedding as about £377. If you have lots of close friends you could be facing a bill of over two grand this summer which is a damn sight more than the average monthly salary.
It's no surprise that we are penny pinching then and some people have even had to say 'no' on the RSVP due to not being able to afford the day. One in five have avoided weddings altogether for up to four years so they don't end up in debt or have their whole month affected by one outing.
50% of potential guests believe that coupes should plan their big day locally to their friends and family so there is no travel involved. This must be happening as 68% said that they had spent less than £50 on travel for their last wedding invitation.
57% said that they had spent less than £50 on an outfit and even less on hair and make up- by shopping in the sales and doing their own finishing touches or asking a friend or family member to help out.
One area Brits don't hold back on is perfume, however, with 66% of women buying a new fragrance before the occasion.
Given that the gift is an extra expense on top of this- 48% loathe the gift register as it limits gift options and people always get in there first for the cheaper listings. Most prefer to give money rather than being told what gift to buy.
Tradition dictates that you should spend the same on a wedding gift as the bride and groom spends on you at the wedding breakfast. In reality, guests spend £25 or less on the gift, which is much less than the cheapest 3 course meal on a wedding menu.
Julian Thompson, Trading Director at Fragrance Direct, said: " Our research shows that, as a nation, we're very frugal - but with good reason. The average cost of attending a wedding is eye-wateringly high. Celeb culture and keeping up with the Jones' often comes before understanding that guests have to fork out for your special day too.