A new global study on the "Cost of Friendship" found that in 2026, the average person now spends roughly 20% of their monthly salary just to attend a single wedding. Between the "perfect" outfit for the photos, the gift, and the travel, being a bridesmaid or groomsman has become a "financial hurdle." The study found that 1 in 4 people have actually turned down an invitation to a close friend's wedding simply because they couldn't afford to be a guest.

Have you ever had to say "no" to a friend’s wedding or a big celebration because it was just too expensive to attend? Or, what’s the most you’ve ever spent just to be a guest?