Who Pays For The Engagement Party: Bridesmaids' Duty?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. While there are no steadfast rules dictating what expenses fall to the bridesmaids, they typically pay for their outfits, hair and makeup, travel and accommodation, and pre-wedding parties. This includes the engagement party, although it is not always clear whether bridesmaids are expected to pay for the bride's share of this event.

Bridesmaids' dresses and accessories

Choosing the Dresses

Communication is key when it comes to selecting bridesmaids' dresses. Be considerate of your bridal party's budget and have upfront discussions about what they are comfortable spending. Try to be flexible and allow your bridesmaids to pick their own gowns within a certain colour and silhouette. This way, no one feels embarrassed about their budget, and you still get a cohesive look for your wedding.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, it's usually expected that bridesmaids will purchase their own additional wedding-day accessories. However, if you want your bridal party to wear specific items, it's a nice gesture to buy these for them as a gift. Accessories include items like shoes, jewellery, and hairpieces. If you're set on specific accessories, consider giving your bridesmaids a budget to work with or suggest some affordable options.

Hair and Makeup

If you're requesting that your bridal party have their hair and makeup professionally done, it's customary for you to cover the bill as a gift. However, if this isn't possible, give your bridesmaids the option to opt-out and do their own hair and makeup. Alternatively, you can suggest that one of the bridesmaids, who is skilled in this area, help out with glam on the big day.

Remember, it's important to be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets and be flexible where you can. By having open and honest discussions, you can ensure that everyone is happy and feels comfortable with the selections.

Bachelorette party costs

Planning a bachelorette party can be a daunting task, especially when considering the potential costs. The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a great time. Here are some tips to help you manage the costs:

Understanding the Costs

Before diving into planning, it's essential to recognize that the costs of a bachelorette party can vary significantly. The average cost per person for a bachelorette party in 2023 was around $537, with a range of $317 to $1,900, depending on the length of the celebration. The longer the event, the higher the expenses tend to be. For instance, a one-to-two-day celebration averages $1,135 per person, while a three-to-four-day celebration averages $1,630.

When creating a budget, it's crucial to consider various expenses, including travel, location, accommodations, food, drinks, decorations, souvenirs, and activities. Understanding these costs will help you make informed decisions and plan accordingly.

Splitting the Costs

Typically, the attendees of the bachelorette party split the costs among themselves and also cover the bride's expenses. However, for longer trips or destination parties, the bride may cover her travel and accommodation costs, and the attendees will treat her to a night out or cover her food for the weekend.

It's essential to have open and honest conversations about costs with the entire group, including the bride, to ensure everyone is comfortable with the financial commitments. It's also a good idea to plan ahead and consult with the group to determine a budget that works for everyone.

Ways to Save Money

There are several strategies to consider when trying to save money on a bachelorette party:

• Choose a local destination or a location closer to home: Opting for a local celebration or a destination that doesn't require extensive travel can significantly reduce costs.
• Shorten the length of the event: The longer the bachelorette party, the higher the costs tend to be. Consider a one-day celebration or a weekend getaway instead of a multiple-day event.
• Opt for budget-friendly accommodations: Instead of expensive hotels, look into renting a house or apartment through sites like Vrbo, Plum Guide, or Welcome Beyond. This can be a more affordable option, especially for larger groups.
• Utilize group rates and deals: Take advantage of group rates when booking accommodations or activities. Sites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com often offer deals and discounts.
• Choose affordable activities: Not every activity has to be expensive. Consider low-cost or free options like games, movies, hikes, or a night out at local bars and clubs.
• Limit the number of souvenirs and decorations: While souvenirs and decorations can add to the fun, they can also increase costs. Opt for budget-friendly alternatives or choose to forgo them altogether.
• Use budget-friendly transportation: Instead of renting a party bus or limousine, consider using public transportation or carpooling if possible.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the most important aspect of a bachelorette party is celebrating the bride-to-be and creating memorable experiences with friends. You don't have to spend a fortune to achieve this. By setting a realistic budget, being mindful of expenses, and finding creative ways to save money, you can plan a fantastic bachelorette party that everyone will enjoy without breaking the bank.

Bridal shower costs

Planning a bridal shower can be a costly affair, and the expenses can add up quickly. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with bridal showers and who typically covers them:

Venue

The choice of venue can significantly impact the overall cost of the bridal shower. Prices for bridal shower venues vary widely, ranging from $65 to $3,900 per day. Opting for a venue that includes catering, decorations, and entertainment can help streamline costs and make the planning process more manageable.

Catering

Food is another significant expense for a bridal shower. Catering prices depend on factors such as location, menu type, and service style. A budget of $30 to $100 per person is considered reasonable for bridal shower catering. For a group of 35 guests, this would amount to $1,050-$3,500, while 50 guests could cost $1,500-$5,000.

Decorations

Decorations can enhance the bridal shower and make it a memorable event. While not mandatory, decorations can add up quickly, with costs potentially reaching $1,000 or more.

Entertainment

Entertainment, such as hiring a DJ, can add to the fun and create lasting memories. Entertainment costs for a bridal shower are typically similar to regular entertainment expenses. For example, hiring a DJ in a major city can range from $1,600 to $2,200.

Host and Guest Contributions

Traditionally, the maid of honor hosts and pays for the bridal shower. However, this responsibility can also fall to other individuals close to the bride, such as her mother, sister, aunt, or a friend. The host typically creates a budget and builds a guest list after discussing the bride's wishes. It is essential to remember that the bridal shower is about the bride, and she is not expected to pay, unlike a wedding.

While the host usually covers most of the expenses, bridesmaids may be asked to contribute financially, especially if they are part of the planning process. This contribution is similar to bachelorette party expenses, where bridesmaids typically cover most costs for a local celebration or chip in for specific expenses for a destination event.

Budgeting Tips

To minimize costs, hosts can opt for homemade food, DIY decorations, or choose a venue that includes various amenities in the package. Invitations can also be sent online to save money. Remember, the focus of a bridal shower is to celebrate the bride, so it's essential to strike a balance between creating a memorable event and managing financial constraints.

Average Cost

The average cost of a bridal shower varies depending on factors such as venue, guest count, and food and drink options. For an event at a venue, a budget of $125 per person is recommended for a more elaborate celebration, while $40 per person is sufficient for a simpler at-home event with light refreshments.

In summary, the costs of a bridal shower can vary widely, and it is essential to communicate openly about financial expectations and contributions among the host, bridesmaids, and other guests to ensure a memorable and enjoyable event for everyone involved.

Hair and makeup

There is no definitive answer to the question of who pays for the bridal party's hair and makeup. It is generally considered good etiquette for the bride to cover the cost of her bridesmaids' hair and makeup as a "thank you" for their support and to make the day more affordable for them. However, this is not always feasible, especially for brides on a tight budget or with a large bridal party. In these cases, bridesmaids may be asked to pay for their hair and makeup services, but it is important to be transparent about this from the beginning to avoid surprises for the bridal party.

When deciding who will pay for hair and makeup, the biggest factor to consider is the financial situation of both the bride and the bridesmaids. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, with costs for gowns, parties, travel, and other fees adding up quickly. Therefore, brides may not feel comfortable asking their friends to pay for an additional service. On the other hand, some brides may be struggling to cover wedding costs, and having their bridesmaids pay for their hair and makeup can be a helpful way to reduce their financial burden.

Another factor to consider is the cost of hair and makeup services themselves. Booking expensive stylists may not be feasible for everyone's budget. Some brides give their bridal party free rein to choose stylists that accommodate their individual budgets, while others opt for a 50/50 split, where the bride and bridesmaids share the cost of hair and makeup services equally. This can be a great compromise, making costs more manageable for both parties.

If the bride is requiring her bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, it is generally expected that she will cover the cost. However, if it is optional, bridesmaids may be asked to pay for their own services. In this case, it is important to communicate this clearly and give them enough time to budget accordingly.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding who pays for bridesmaid hair and makeup. The key is to consider everyone's financial situation, be transparent about expectations, and communicate decisions early on in the planning process to ensure a joyful and stress-free experience for all.

Gifts

While there are no steadfast rules about what bridesmaids should pay for, there are certain costs that are typically expected of them. These include their outfits, travel and accommodation, and sometimes the bachelorette party. However, it is important to have open and transparent conversations about money to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the expenses.

• A custom-etched wine bottle with the couple's names and engagement date.
• A yearly subscription to a wedding planning magazine.
• Crystal champagne flutes engraved with a romantic design.
• A bamboo plant shaped like two hearts, symbolising good luck.
• A personalised trinket dish with the couple's names and a map of where they first met.
• A set of coffee mugs that fit together to form two faces kissing, with the handles forming a heart.
• A game designed to be played with the couple, with cards containing questions about their relationship.
• A cookbook for two, with simple recipes and tips for throwing a dinner party.
• A set of wine glasses for the newly engaged couple.
• A wedding planner book to help the couple organise their special day.
• A set of custom cookies with individual wrappers stamped with a special congratulatory message.

Frequently asked questions