How do I say no to a wedding invite?

A: It’s important to be part of people’s special events. One of the hardest times to stick to what you can afford is when you’re invited to a wedding, an occasion that is ripe for overspending and guilt tripping. Two words can strike financial fear in potential guests: destination wedding.

A lot of our financial mistakes happen when we don’t want to be seen as cheap or the type of person who places money over family or friendship.

However, keep this in mind: An invitation is not a court summons. Also, there’s this: No is a complete sentence.

You do not need to explain your decline of an invitation. 

My grandmother Big Mama taught me many things about money management, but one of the lessons that has served me well centers on living with financial integrity, which she defined as doing what you can afford with no regrets — or guilt. 

If cost is an issue, unapologetically live within your means