Bridesmaids' Drinks: Who Pays?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it's also a major financial commitment. There are a lot of expenses that come with the role, and it's important to be upfront about what you can afford from the start. While there are no steadfast rules, bridesmaids typically pay for their outfits, travel, accommodation, and the bachelorette party. They may also be expected to chip in for the bridal shower and any hair and makeup appointments. However, it's becoming more common for brides to pay for their bridesmaids' dresses, especially if they are expensive. Ultimately, it's important to have open and honest communication about finances to avoid any misunderstandings or resentment.

Bachelorette Party

Planning a bachelorette party can be a lot of fun, but it's also a financial commitment for everyone involved. So, who pays for what?

Travel and Accommodations

For destination bachelorette parties, everyone should pay for their own travel and accommodation. This includes flights, train tickets, gas mileage, hotel rooms, or Airbnb costs. It's important to inform guests about the location well ahead of time so they can save up and book their travel. To keep costs down, consider carpooling or staying in an Airbnb instead of a hotel.

Meals

Bridesmaids are typically expected to cover the cost of the bride's meals as a way to celebrate and treat her. It's a small extra expense that can be managed by choosing more affordable restaurants or opting for takeout or cooking at home. The bride may also offer to pay for one meal as a thank-you gesture. As for drinks, it's usually considered an individual expense, but the bridesmaids may choose to treat the bride to a round or two.

Decor and Party Favors

The maid of honor and bridesmaids usually handle the cost of decorations and party favors. These items are typically inexpensive and can be purchased online. It's important to not go overboard with decorations and instead focus on celebrating the bride.

Special Experiences and Activities

Special experiences, such as concerts or spa days, are optional and should be discussed beforehand to ensure they fit within everyone's budget. If the bride suggests an expensive activity, she should offer to cover the cost. However, if the bridesmaids plan a surprise experience for the bride, they should cover the cost.

Safety Measures

The bride is generally expected to cover the cost of safety measures, such as chartered rides or transportation, to ensure everyone can travel safely to and from the party locations.

Bridal Shower

Planning a bridal shower? Drinks and refreshments are a must-have! Here are some ideas to get you started on planning an unforgettable bridal shower.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

If you're looking for non-alcoholic options, you can't go wrong with a refreshing glass of lemonade. To make it extra special, add some fresh mint and sparkling water or sparkling wine for a festive twist. Another idea is to serve strawberry-lavender-infused water, a combination that is both delicious and aesthetically pleasing.

Alcoholic Drinks

For those who enjoy a tipple, there are plenty of options to choose from. A classic French 75 cocktail, made with gin, elderflower liqueur, and champagne, is a great choice and can be made even more special with a float of pink champagne and a sprinkle of edible flowers. If you're looking for something a little different, how about a lavender blackberry Old Fashioned, adding a pinky tinge and a botanical twist to this classic cocktail?

Punches and Cocktails

If you want to serve a signature cocktail, a "Mint to Be" Lemonade is a refreshing option that can be made in large batches. For something a little stronger, a Bee's Knees cocktail, with its citrusy and floral notes, is a unique and elegant choice. To really impress your guests, set up a champagne tower—a fun and interactive way to serve drinks that will surely be a conversation starter.

Food and Drink Pairings

When it comes to food and drink pairings, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Strawberry mimosas go well with a variety of appetizers, such as fruit, pastries, and frittatas.
• A lavender blackberry Old Fashioned would pair nicely with a rustic garden party-themed shower, complete with wildflower garnishes.
• For a vintage-themed shower, root beer float flutes are a fun and nostalgic choice.
• A refreshing paloma, with its bright peach hue, is perfect for a summer bridal shower, especially when paired with decorative cocktail napkins.

Budgeting

Lastly, it's important to consider the budget for the bridal shower. While there are no hard and fast rules, it's common for the maid of honor or a group of bridesmaids to host and pay for the event. If you're concerned about costs, communicate openly with the other bridesmaids and the bride's family to find a solution that works for everyone.

Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate the bride-to-be and create lasting memories with delicious drinks and good company!

Bridesmaids' Dresses

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of financial commitments. One of the biggest expenses is the bridesmaid dress.

Who Pays for the Bridesmaid Dresses?

The bridesmaids are usually expected to pay for their own dresses. The bride will often have a specific vision for what she wants her bridesmaids to wear, but the method of choosing and purchasing the dresses can vary. Some brides may request that all bridesmaids wear the same dress, while others may allow their bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a certain colour scheme or style.

Bridesmaid dresses can vary widely in cost, depending on the style, fabric, and designer. They can range from as little as $99 to several hundred dollars. It's important to keep in mind that bridesmaids may also need to purchase additional accessories, shoes, and undergarments to complete their look, which can add to the overall cost.

Tips for Saving Money on Bridesmaid Dresses

• Shop around: Compare prices from different retailers and look for sales or discounts.
• Mix and match: Instead of choosing identical dresses, consider selecting a colour scheme or style and allowing bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within that theme. This can often be more affordable and give bridesmaids the option to choose something they feel comfortable in and may wear again.
• Borrow or rent: Look into dress rental options or consider borrowing a dress from a friend or family member.
• Choose affordable retailers: Some retailers, like Birdy Grey, specialize in affordable bridesmaid dresses, with many options under $100.

Other Bridesmaid Expenses

In addition to the dress, there are several other expenses that bridesmaids typically cover, including:

• Bachelorette party: Bridesmaids usually pay for most costs associated with the bachelorette party, especially if it is relatively budget-friendly or close to home. However, if the celebration is more extravagant or in a destination location, they may only chip in for certain expenses like a special dinner or the bride's hotel costs.
• Bridal shower: The bridal shower is often hosted and paid for by the maid of honour or the mother of the bride. However, if the bridesmaids are hosting, they may be expected to contribute financially.
• Wedding gift: It is customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift. They may choose to go in on a group gift to reduce individual expenses.
• Hair and makeup: If the bride requests professional hair and makeup for the bridesmaids, she may offer to cover the costs as a gift. If she does not cover the full cost, bridesmaids can offer to pay for their own services.
• Travel and accommodations: Bridesmaids are typically responsible for their own travel and lodging for the wedding and any related events, such as the bachelorette party.

Being a bridesmaid can be a financially demanding role, so it is important to have open and honest conversations about money and to set clear expectations from the start.

Hair and Makeup

However, if you're open to them doing their own hair and makeup, you can make this an option, and offering to cover the costs for those who want to use a professional is a generous gesture. Be sure to plan this in advance so that the stylist or makeup artist can schedule enough time for everyone to get ready.

If you're not requiring professional hair and makeup, it's still a nice gesture to provide a dedicated space for your bridesmaids to get ready, so they feel included in the preparations.

Ultimately, it's important to be upfront about any financial expectations with your bridesmaids and give them plenty of notice so they can budget accordingly.

Travel and Accommodation

Bridesmaids are typically responsible for their own travel and lodging for the wedding night or weekend. However, this is something couples should pay close attention to, as these costs can quickly add up, especially for destination weddings or expensive, far-flung bachelorette parties. Couples should be mindful of how much they are asking their bridal party to pay.

If your wedding is in a remote location, you could help your bridesmaids out by booking a block of rooms at a discounted rate, or if your venue is far away, you could arrange for a large group of you to travel together to cut down the cost.

It is standard for the bride to cover the cost of transportation to and from the wedding venue. If the wedding party needs to get to and from the venue for the rehearsal and photo shoot, consider getting buses, golf carts, or arranging for Ubers to transport everyone.

Frequently asked questions