Wedding season is in full swing. Tying the knot is getting more expensive every year — for the bride and groom and the guests. In fact, a 2015 Market Watch survey revealed that the average wedding guest would spend $673 to attend a single wedding, including, but not limited to, costs associated with travel, accommodations and attire.

And then there's the wedding gift. The Knot recommends spending anywhere between $50 and $200 or more on a wedding gift. Do you want to cut the cost of a wedding gift and still give the couple something they want and will appreciate? Here are some ways to compromise.

COMPARE PRICES ON REGISTRY ITEMS. It's wise to reference a registry to see what the couple wants. But it's even wiser to then compare prices of a registry item at different stores. Online retailers like Overstock sell popular wedding-registry brands for less than most high-end stores.

USE GIFT CARDS. If you're planning to give a gift card, or you're planning to buy an item off the couple's registry, save money by purchasing discount gift cards from the Gift Card Granny website. The site offers gift cards for less than face value, such as a $100 Macy's gift card for $80.

KNOW WHERE TO FIND COUPON CODES. Most stores offer coupons these days. You just have to know where to find them. By signing up to receive an e-newsletter from Pottery Barn or Williams-Sonoma, for example, you'll get a coupon code for 10 percent off a future order.

HEAD TO A WAREHOUSE CLUB. Big stores like Costco and Sam's Club sell some popular wedding gifts like blenders, food processors and other household goods for at least 30 percent less than other stores.

GO IN ON A BIG GIFT. If the couple registered for an expensive item that is out of your price range, get a group of friends or relatives together to split the cost.

GO TO THE DOLLAR STORE. While the costs of gift wrap and a card seem insignificant, you may tack on another $20 to an already pricey present. Every dollar counts! Head to the dollar store to buy both of these items for a buck each.

OFFER YOUR SERVICES. If you are tight on money, offer to help the bride and groom prepare for the wedding instead of giving a physical gift. Whether it's doing hair and makeup for the bride and her maids, putting your photography skills to work, or dogsitting while the couple is away on their honeymoon, any offer is sure to please.

SPREAD OUT YOUR PURCHASES. Don't feel pressured to purchase a gift right away, especially if your funds are limited. Perhaps you recently bought a gift for the bridal shower, or booked airfare and a hotel for the wedding. The bride and groom would never want you to go into debt on account of their nuptials, so you can space out your expenses. Simply follow the traditional wedding etiquette rule: Send a gift within one year of the event. Just don't forget!

A question for my readers: Will you be attending any weddings this year? Do you have any cost-cutting secrets you'd like to share?

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.