Here's the astronomical amount of money people spend to attend a wedding - and tips on how to save on this huge expense

If the wedding is within driving distance, split travel costs by getting a group together and making a road trip out of it. Instead of purchasing expensive plane tickets, you'll only have to pay for a share of the gas money instead. By splitting travel costs with other wedding guests and their plus-ones, you can all save a little money on the wedding day expenses.

When thinking about what to gift the happy couple, the thing that guests consider the most is finding a gift within their budget. By buying your gift early, you'll get your first choice on the least expensive options on the couples' registry. That's not to say you'll be skimping out — quite the contrary, in fact. Most couples will be happy to receive any gift from their registry, no matter your motives for getting that specific one. According to The Knot's Guest Survey, 3 in 4 (78%) wedding guests want to give a gift that's thoughtful, and nearly half (42%) report seeking gifts from companies that support "larger causes close to their hearts."

Attire makes up 13% and 19% of wedding day expenses for guests and members of the wedding party. Wedding party members often spend more on attire than wedding guests. Most bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits are chosen by the couple, not allowing for a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing attire within your price range. However, there are a couple of ways that couples can work with members of the wedding party to choose affordable options.

Through The Knot and Rent the Runway, couples can help their guests save money on their wedding day fashion by offering them a 20% discount off of a rental from Rent the Runway. Brides can also choose their bridesmaid dresses through the service, cutting costs and ensuring the dresses won't be hanging in closets for years to come, never to be worn again.

Many couples set aside blocks of rooms in hotels near the wedding venue months (or even a year) in advance. They're often locked in at reasonable rates, making them the most convenient and cost-effective accommodations for wedding guests. If you can't get a hotel room through the couple, split a hotel suite or Airbnb with other guests. Just make sure you book early!

• Read more:
• What actually makes a wedding fun, according to guests
• The average wedding cost in America is over $30,000 — but here's where couples spend way more than that
• From a $10,000 celebration at a country club to a 6-figure ceremony in Central Park, here's what 7 real couples spent on their weddings
• What the average wedding budget looks like in America, from the engagement ring to the wedding dress to the venue