It's acceptable to decline plans without giving reasons, according to etiquette experts.

With inflation on the rise, the cost of friendship has increased. As your social calendar becomes busier this summer, you may be questioning how you can afford all the brunches, parties, group trips, and other social activities.

If you have a smaller budget than your social circle, you may feel pressured to overspend to maintain a connection or unsure how to handle or repay their generosity.

Experts in etiquette suggest that there are multiple ways to handle these situations, but they all agree on one point: You are not obligated to attend a destination wedding or fancy dinner if it will negatively impact your budget. Additionally, you do not need to provide any explanations.

"Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas, advises saying "I appreciate the invitation, but I'll have to pass" if one doesn't want to attend an event. One could add "I might say I have an early morning tomorrow" to explain why they can't attend, but it could also be because they need to brush their teeth."

If an invitation is too expensive, offer alternatives

TikTok's "loud budgeting" trend is gaining approval from both etiquette and financial experts. It involves setting boundaries with friends and family about what one can and cannot afford as budgets become tighter.

An invitation to a fancy restaurant may be declined by a loud budgeter who has only $30 left in their monthly food budget.

According to Thomas Farley, an etiquette expert and keynote speaker known as Mister Manners, it is not necessary to provide a detailed explanation for not being able to attend something, whether it is due to financial constraints or a conflict.

If an opulent destination wedding is beyond your budget, you can send your regrets and a gift from the registry. If it's a luxury trip, you can say you can't afford it this year, that you recently made a significant purchase or that you're too busy. It's not necessary to provide specifics.

She advises that you don't have to accept every invitation that's extended to you.

If you consistently decline plans that would bring you together with others, you risk losing your friendships. Instead of turning down invitations due to financial constraints, suggest affordable alternatives that everyone can enjoy, advises Farley.

"Perhaps you could go hiking or to the beach for a day. There are numerous activities you can engage in without spending a lot of money."

Picking up a check: 'It's not dollar-for-dollar'

According to Gottsman, it is customary for the person who invited someone out for dinner to pay for the meal and the tip.

It is recommended to be prepared to pay your share of the bill and the tip when dining out, even if it exceeds your desired amount, according to her.

"If you're going there, you're responsible for that part."

If a friend who is wealthier than you offers to pay for the check, you can graciously accept their offer. However, if you feel comfortable, you can offer to cover your own part. If your friend insists, it is within good etiquette to let them pay, as they are being sincerely emphatic.

Gottsman advises that the appropriate response is to express gratitude and take responsibility for the next one, but avoid maintaining a tally.

If they took you out for a fancy dinner, you might respond by inviting them over for a meal at your home. If they got you the most expensive item on your wedding registry, you can still contribute to their honeymoon fund.

"It's not dollar-for-dollar," Gottsman says.

Accepting a generous offer: Let things 'blossom' first

Your friend, who is wealthy, informs you that they will be spending a significant portion of their summer in Nantucket. You acknowledge that it is a beautiful place, but you have never visited.

"They claim to have a place up there and invite you anytime."

You think it sounds great, but are you sure you can attend? You don't want to feel like you're taking advantage of someone's kindness.

Determining the seriousness of an invitation depends on two factors: the quality of the friend.

"Farley advises caution when accepting an invitation from someone you're still acquainted with, even if it's well-intentioned. He suggests giving the friendship more time to develop before making a decision."

If you've been to their home, been on trips with them, and regularly hang out with them, Farley says it might be a serious offer.

Gottsman suggests that a firm date is another indication of a genuine generous offer.

She says, "If I have a lake house or beach house, I might say come anytime you want. But if I really want them to come, I'd say, 'Let's plan for the Fourth of July. Or let's plan for the end of August — let's look at our calendars.'"

It is acceptable to follow up if someone has made a sincere offer, but you are still uncertain.

Gottsman suggests saying, 'We appreciate your offer of your beach house, and we'd love to accept it. If you don't have any plans for the weekend of such and such, we'd love to go for the weekend,'

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