Cost to attend a wedding up 75 percent

Wedding bells are ringing, and they're going 'cha-ching, cha-ching.'

The 'Today' show reports that wedding guests nowadays are expected to spend lots more money than ever before.

"The costs for guests to attend a wedding is about $600 per wedding this year. That is up 75 percent from two years ago - doesn't include the gift, just things like travel, hotel stay."

That info is from a new survey done by American Express. Also built into the expense are things like clothes and accessories you buy to wear to the wedding. Basically everything but the gift.

And by the way, according to About.com, etiquette dictates you spent at least $75 on a gift.

But as MarketWatch notes, there's a trade-off here: brides and grooms are spending more, too. So, you spend more as a guest, but you get a more lavish party.

According to wedding website The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in 2013 was almost $30,000.

And these numbers are all reflecting a big change since the recession: people are spending more on weddings, and getting married more. When the recession hit, the number of weddings in the U.S. dropped.

But back to the big bucks. Glamour Magazine has some tips on how you can save as a guest. When you find out where the couple is registered, sign up for the store's mailing list. You'll get a heads up on sales.

Also, if you need a vacation of your own, try just extending your trip when going to a destination wedding.