Budgeting

Like a band-aid, it is better to quickly get this over with. Americans coming to the UK should budget in between 1,200 and 1,500 dollars a person. This estimate includes room and board, airfare, and travel expenses. It's crazy expensive, and that's why Matt and I don't expect gifts for anyone coming to our wedding from across the pond. It's also because of this that Matt and I understand completely why some guests may not be able to attend. It's insane, we know, and we're sorry.

The budget breakdown goes something like this:
Airfare: 1,000-1,300 a person. Cheaper deals can be found, but this is the price as of March and it will likely get higher as the day gets closer. Flexible dates and checking other airports may help you find less expensive deals.

Room and Board: You should schedule about 30 pounds a night for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, plus any extra room you may need if you are looking at doing overnight trips. Monday to Thursday before the wedding will free, especially if you quickly RSVP. The amounts are overestimates, but I always overestimate for these kinds of things, you know, like packing extra underwear. Tack on some extra money for food and drinks. Please note: the houses in York have kitchens, so food can be made cheaply. Given the overwhelming number of stupid good Italian cooks coming to my wedding, we can expect this to be taken advantage of.

Misc: I know a few people plan to take day trips. The rail can get you anywhere but tickets are not always inexpensive. We'll be able to cover the travel to most places, but you may want to rent a car or the like.

So, that was not the most accurate breakdown, and I am sure you can get a more real and more cheap assessment, given time. However, I want everyone coming to be prepared for the cost so RSVPs reflect who will actually be in attendance. It's mad money, but the wedding allows Matt and I to be together as fast and as legally as possible. Years of this having an ocean between us is too much, too much.