As I mentioned in a previous post (titled Bad Weddings, Too Expensive to Attend), weddings, whether bad or good ones, can be expensive not only for the couple getting married but for the guests as well.

This summer I had been invited to three weddings.  Since they are all required different attire, I needed 3 different outfits.  I usually am able to find something in my closet for events like these but this year I had found that my dress-up clothes had all become too old and ratty so I had nothing decent to wear.  I guessed I had to just bite the bullet and buy a couple of new outfits.  So, I took a trip to Commercial Drive, a street in Vancouver, BC, where there are quite a few trendy shops that sell new, vintage and used items.  But before I went, I called a friend that lived in that area, told her what I was up to and asked if she wanted to to meet for a coffee.  ”Sure, let’s meet for coffee but before you go shopping, come raid my closet.  I practically own all the fashion on Commercial Drive.”  My friend has nice clothes and it’s true she shops a lot especially since she lives near all the trendy boutiques.  Sure enough I found a few pieces that fit me well.  I now have a couple of new outfits to wear for the cost of two iced lattes.

Can you borrow instead of buy?  Can you borrow a ball gown instead of buying one, since you’ll probably only wear it once anyway?  Can you borrow a neighbour’s lawn mower each week instead of getting your own?  Borrow someone’s pick-up instead of renting one?  Does a friend have a library of books or DVDs at home?  Can he lend you a couple instead of you going to the video or book store to rent or buy?

There should be no need to mention that what you borrow you must return in a timely manner.  And in the same condition (if not better) than how you borrowed it.  You wouldn’t want your friends to blacklist you from their stuff, would you?  ;-)

Looking for more tips to save some cash?  Then be sure to visit the Saving Tips section of this website.  Or how about reading on how money affects our relationships?  Read the Money and Relationships section.