Wedding season is just around the corner. To some (i.e. brides) that sounds really exciting, but for those with fewer dollars to spare, wedding season feels like your typical gloomy English summer day – dreadful.

Saying yes to joining a wedding party isn’t an easy choice. You may be more than willing to spend the time, but it’s spending money that’s the issue. In this case, it may be easier to just say a simple “thanks but no thanks” than suffer the wrath of a budgetless bridezilla. But if you’re already stuck in the midst of a very expensive party celebrating someone else’s lifetime happiness, listen up; we at View The VIBE have some tips to help you and your pocketbook survive bridesmaid season.

Stay Organized!

When it comes to wedding parties, spending is unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep it under control. Set yourself a realistic budget to help track spending. Make a spreadsheet including the gift, dress, grooming, bachelor/bachelorette party and travel. This may not help eliminate all the tedious costs but it will help you avoid coming back from Vegas in the red.

The Gift

You’re going to want to choose a gift early from the bridal registry, especially if you know the bride and groom enjoy the smell of money. Chances are, if you wait until last minute, you’ll be deciding between an $300 frying pan and a $450 narwhal bone serving dish. The earlier you get to the registry, the higher the chances you have of finding a gift within your budget.

The Dress

Keep in mind that you don’t have to agree on wearing the hideous green-brown $400 bridesmaid dress the bride thinks is “so cute!” Kindly explain that you’re budgeting and propose making a day of going out to find an affordable (and nicer) dress. Make it fun by going out for a glass of wine or a pint of beer to celebrate after. Tip: buy a versatile dress that you could wear again, possibly even to another wedding.

The Party

The biggest money grabber is the damn bachelorette party, which is often up to you to throw. This is a blessing in disguise. There are ways to have a low budget but super fun party. It just requires research and a little extra work.

Consider venues that don’t charge, like your backyard. If you’re planning to drink, pre-drink at home first. Look up some fun cocktails recipes or throw together a fruity sangria to share. Same goes for food. Instead of eating out, try out your cooking skills and bring food to the venue, or simply serve at your place. Make it fun by adding games and (cheap!) decorations. Pinterest will be your best friend for this.