(BPT) - Key takeaways

• A recent Accredited Debt Relief survey found that eight in 10 people with at least $10k in unsecured debt- like credit cards, personal loans, medical debts and certain student loans skipped at least one event or activity in the last year, including weddings.
• The cost is as emotional as it is financial. According to the survey, 68% of respondents feel anxiety when receiving an invitation.
• A BBB-accredited debt consolidation program can help you take back control of your finances and allow you to say yes to important celebrations.

If you're considering skipping a loved one's wedding, you're not alone. Weddings can be expensive for guests, too, not just the happy couple.

Leading up to the big day, there's a laundry list of expenses: buying an outfit, paying for travel and a hotel room, purchasing a gift and arranging childcare. Given the cost of attending, it should come as no surprise that some Americans are skipping a loved one's wedding due to already struggling financially.

Why RSVPs are not a simple yes or no

To better understand how debt impacts a person's life, Accredited Debt Relief and Drive Research conducted a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10k in unsecured debt. The survey found that nearly eight in 10 respondents skipped at least one event or activity in the past year because of debt, including:

• A wedding
• A group trip or vacation
• Dinner, concert or night out
• Birthday or anniversary celebration
• Holiday celebration with family
• Milestone party (shower or graduation)

The stigma and privacy concerns surrounding debt may also make it harder to explain why an invitation is declined. In fact, 58% have made up a nonfinancial excuse to skip events they couldn't afford to protect their privacy rather than admit they are struggling. Not only are these Americans carrying debt, but they're also carrying the emotional weight of guilt and embarrassment.

How you can move forward with the right support

You don't have to keep missing major life celebrations because of debt. One way you can break the cycle and regain control of your finances is through debt consolidation.

When you sign up for a BBB-accredited debt consolidation program like one through Accredited Debt Relief, you can replace high minimum payments across multiple accounts with one, lower monthly payment. With more room in your monthly budget, you can start building a financial life that lets you say yes to joyous occasions with friends and family more often.

Every situation is different, and the right option depends on your unique financial situation. To get a free debt evaluation that won't affect your credit score and see what options are available to you, visit AccreditedDebtRelief.com/Free-Quote.