11 of the Sneakiest Ways to Save Money Attending a Wedding

We all know weddings can be expensive.  Every little thing can add up and before you know it, you're spending way more than you expected to attend your friend's wedding.   But before you start crying all of the tears and obsessively refreshing your bank account balance, read these totally sneaky ways to save a little money on your pal's big day. From smart ways to save on gifts, to the best tricks for saving on travel, we've got you.

Check out the registry as soon as you can to ensure that there will be plenty of gifts in your price range. If you wait too long, you'll be stuck purchasing that $300 KitchenAid or going off registry...

Often times, you can score a better deal online than at a big box store. It's totally acceptable to shop around for the best price on an item, just make sure to call the store where the couple is registered and ask them to mark it as purchased so no other guests buy the same item. And always include a gift receipt!

Sign up for emails or add yourself to mailing lists to receive special deals from the stores where the couple is registered (for example, Bed Bath & Beyond is known for their 20% off coupons!). You can also search online for promo codes and printable coupons on sites likedealspl.us and RetailMeNot. 

We think it's perfectly fine to go off-registry and put together a more tailored gift for the couple. Gifting a date night experience, something for their honeymoon, or a themed-basket are just a few of the ways to get creative with it. 

If you start thinking about airfare in the early planning stages, you're most likely to find a good deal. We recommend using apps and sites like Kayak, Expedia, and Skyskanner to ensure your flight doesn't break the bank. 6. Forgo the flight. If the destination isn't too far away, consider other methods of travel. Trains are often a bit more budget-friendly than flights, and bus tickets are likely even more affordable (Megabus offers $1 deals to some cities). Have other friends going to the wedding? Borrow or rent a car and plan a road trip. 

Shop your friends' closets to mix up your wardrobe without buying anything new! You can also check out rental sites like Rent the Runway, which allows you to borrow designer gowns for a fraction of the cost of buying one, or The Black Tux for tuxedo rentals. 

Even with a hotel block discount, your lodging expense will likely be one of the largest. Consider booking an entire apartment nearby with friends to cut costs. If possible, stay close enough to one of the designated hotels so you can hitch a ride on any provided transportation. 

If there are no nearby Airbnbs, or if you want to stay close to the wedding party, share a hotel room with multiple friends. After all, a room with two double beds can sleep at least four people! 10. Pack light and carry on. If you've gotta fly, avoid checked baggage charging by packing everything in your carry on. And mail the couple's gift to their home ahead of time so you don't have to waste luggage space. 

If the majority of your transportation needs will be getting to and from the airport, consider calling an Uber instead of renting a car. To save even more money, try UberPool which allows you to share a ride with others traveling to similar destinations. Ready, set, save some money!