Expensive Airfare

So James and I are trying to book our flight up to New York for Vicki & Adam's wedding and everything is  so expesive. I have flown up there by myself a few times and the prices were okay, but this time I am having to include a hotel, food, their wedding gift and whatever else we might need money for. It is becoming quite stressful in the fact that  I feel like all the airlines are jacking up their rates. If you have any helpful hints please send them my way as I need to book here in the next couple of weeks before the prices get worse.