Experian : More than 1 in 3 Brits Decline Destination Wedding Invitations, Experian Reveals

About this update from Experian Plc

[{"type":"text","content":"\n \n More than 1 in 3 Brits Decline Destination Wedding Invitations, Experian Reveals\n \n More than 1 in 3 Brits Decline Destination Wedding Invitations, Experian Reveals\n \n New research from Experian shows that 38% of Brits have declined an abroad wedding invitation in the past year, up from 29% in 2025\n London, 28th May, 2026 - More Brits are saying \"I don't\" to destination weddings, as new research from Experian reveals a sharp increase in declined invitations due to mounting financial pressures. More than a third (38%) of Brits decided not to attend a wedding abroad in the last year, a notable jump from 29% the previous year.\n \n \n Among those who turned down an invite, the top reasons were being unable to afford transport or accommodation (23%) and the destination being too far to travel to (20%). This marks a shift from last year, when just 14% cited transport and accommodation costs as a reason for declining. Looking ahead, nearly half of Brits (45%) said they won't attend an abroad wedding due to recent increases in flight costs.\n \n \n Although the average spend per guest has decreased by 22% from £1,956 in 2025 to £1,525 this year, this drop appears to be driven by frugality rather than lower costs.\n \n \n A quarter of people are adopting money-saving strategies to limit spending. A quarter (25%) will make the couple a present as opposed to buying (compared to 13% last year) and the same number will also rent an outfit to wear to the wedding (compared to 11% last year).\n \n \n The financial strain also extends beyond the wedding itself, as 29% feel forced to decline other holidays with friends and family to afford the trip, while 59% say the cost impacts their everyday spending decisions.\n John Webb, Head of Consumer Affairs, Experian UK&I, said: \"Destination weddings can add a lot of financial pressure for guests - sometimes costing thousands of pounds. So, it's a good idea to think carefully about what you can realistically afford. Borrowing money, with a plan to repay, can be suitable. However, getting into unaffordable debt can have long-term negative impacts on your financial wellbeing and your credit score.\"\n \"It's all about budgeting - set the costs and work out whether you can afford it, or the debt repayment. If you're comfortable cutting back on luxuries or skipping holidays, that's fine....

More updates from Experian Plc