Hello friends.

Welcome to today’s rage post about the added costs of being single.

And also I’m going to rant a little about destination weddings, so if you happen to be my little brother, I suggest you stop reading now. Because I will be there. But me and my bank account are straight up livid in this moment because of the added cost of going solo.

Also – I know no one is making me go. I get it. I don’t actually have to go.

But I do have to go. He is my baby brother.

Ok. Ok.

So my little brother is getting married next June in Cancun.

I just emailed the travel agent asking him for prices for two people and single occupancy, as I’ve been dating someone I quite like for several months but this feels like a big ask and a big financial commitment and also quite a long time frame to commit to being with him at this moment but I was doing initial reconnaissance.

RSVPs aren’t due until December. I was going to breach the topic with the boy in November if things are still going well.

Anyway, to begin with, the lousy travel agent only sent over one price – $264/night. I then looked at their very unclear wedding website to try to figure out how many days I’d probably be there and it’s currently looking like 5 days. Especially after chatting with my brother and he was like “literally don’t come early please.” So that is good at least.

Ok. So that’s $1320 for the hotel and food and drinks.

Also, for people who go to all-inclusives – do you actually just sit around a pool and just eat and drink for days? Are there things to do there? Please tell me there are some other things to do.

I Googled flights. Found one for £431.

Ok. Slightly over $2000 was what I was thinking. Still high but ok, expected. I even have that saved up in my Travel fund.

I’d also like to note I’ve been tagged for bridesmaid duty and still have all those costs too despite the fact that I’m clearly not making it to any bachelorette party or bridal showers back in the States. But she’s going to be my sister, do I not even send a gift?? I am literally reeling at the thought of that.

And what do I even do about a wedding gift?! I mean, it’s hard to know what to get your sibling to begin with but being a bridesmaid alone is usually about $1000 proposition – so now we’re probably coming in around $3k for this wedding.

And again, for anyone who feels like they need to tell me I don’t have to do anything, I feel you’ve missed the point of venting and ranting and that the decision is already done.

I am just sticker shock reeling right now.

But like $2000-2200 isn’t so bad, right? What are you reeling over, Mel?

After I calculated that, I thought… it’s fishy the travel agent didn’t send two numbers. There should’ve been at least two numbers because since when are solo travelers ever not penalized at a place like this?

And I feel super strongly that I’m not inviting the BF to just try to save money. I don’t know if ya’ll remember the kayak debacle of my last relationship where we wound up together for months waiting for some backordered kayaks we bought together to show up, well after I was actually ready to call it, but I would like to avoid that situation again. I want to feel 100% good about my relationship in November when I talk with him about possibly spending a ton of money to accompany to a week long family event with my sort of insane family. I want to be like actually excited to go on vacation with him and introduce him to my sort of insane family.

Who I love. Even though they drive me really nuts. I do love them.

So. I got a reply and the amount to go by myself is $478.00 a day. HOW CAN YOU EVEN DRINK THAT MUCH WITHOUT DYING???? HOW MUCH STEAK DO I NEED TO EAT TO HAVE A CHANCE IN HELL OF BREAKING EVEN HERE???

I do not even like steak.

That takes a 5 day vacation up to $2390 plus the flight, which, let’s be real, since I’m not actually going to book until November or December is going to go up. So I suspect I’m looking at $3000+ here.

And like…. WHAT. THE. DUCK.

I also feel like I have no choice. Even though I do.

But that surcharge for going alone. My blood is freaking boiling.

Thank you for coming to today’s rant.

What are your thoughts on destination weddings? Can you please tell me it was just an absolute delight and I am going to have a great time?