Wedding season is upon us.  69 million Americans will attend at least one wedding this year.  An American Express survey finds the average guest will shell out more than 500 dollars in wedding-related expenses, up 59 percent from a year ago. 

The biggest chunk of change will be spent on travel to the ceremony.  Wedding guests typically spend more on their own clothing, shoes and accessories than they do on the gift.  On average, guests spend just over $100 on the gift, although that varies.  Relatives and close friends of the bride and groom tend to spend more than co-workers do. 

One/third of guests choose a gift off the wedding couple's registry.  Another third sticks with cash.  A majority of those surveyed say if they were the bride and groom, they'd prefer the cash option.

As for the wedding itself, couples registered at TheKnot.com in 2012 reported spending an average of 28 thousand dollars on the ceremony and reception.