Smart Ways To Split Wedding Expenses With Bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid is an honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. From the dress and accessories to travel and accommodation, costs can quickly add up. So how can you share these expenses fairly? Open and honest communication is key. Discuss budgets and expectations early on, and be mindful of everyone's financial situation. It's also a good idea to provide a breakdown of costs so that there are no surprises. If certain activities are too expensive for some bridesmaids, be flexible and offer alternatives. Remember, it's important to set a tone of gratitude and ensure everyone feels valued and included.

Bridal shower

Planning a bridal shower can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down. Here are some tips for sharing expenses when it comes to the bridal shower:

Who Pays for the Bridal Shower?

The host of the bridal shower typically pays for the event or at least contributes to some of the costs. This is most commonly the maid of honour, but it can also be the couple's relatives, friends, or even the couple themselves. If the maid of honour is hosting, she can approach the bride's family and other wedding party members to get the ball rolling and crowdsource contributions. The mother of the bride usually helps plan and pay for the bridal shower, and she may split the cost with other relatives. Bridesmaids will probably be asked to pay for some of the bridal shower, especially if they are hosting, but they may only be asked to contribute to smaller expenses like decorations and favours.

The cost of a bridal shower can vary widely depending on the venue, guest count, food and drinks. On the upper end of the scale, budgeting $125 per person for an event at a venue would cover a bridal shower with paper invitations, food and drinks, cake, floral centrepieces, games and prizes. At the lower end of the scale, budgeting $40 per person for an at-home event with light refreshments provided by a caterer would cover invitations, drinks, simple decorations, games and prizes.

Tips for Planning a Bridal Shower on a Budget:

• Zero in on important goals: Establish expectations and a budget with the bride. Be upfront about how much you can afford to spend and don't be shy about saying that the bridal shower is your gift to the bride.
• Share the load: You don't have to foot the entire cost of the party yourself. Consider co-hosting with the rest of the bridal party or delegating specific tasks to willing volunteers.
• Let the theme choose you: Take inventory of what props or decorations are available to you for free. Do you know someone who has leftover decor or favours from a previous bridal shower? Can you repurpose items you already have or find discounted items in stores?
• Do the invitations, games and decorations for less: Skip traditional mailed invitations and opt for free online invitation services instead. Search for free or low-cost printable bridal shower games online. Focus your decorating efforts on one area that will make the biggest impression, like one room or one wall.
• Make low-cost venues work: Opt for a low-cost venue that has built-in unique characteristics, like a house with natural light and great landscaping. Hosting the party at the bride's friend's or family member's home is ideal since it would be free. Apartment buildings and condos often have clubhouses or event rooms that can be used for free or rented for a nominal fee.
• Cut food costs by keeping things simple: Schedule the bridal shower for morning brunch or late afternoon when guests are less likely to expect a full meal. Stick with quick and easy options, like inexpensive prepackaged hors d'oeuvres. If hosting the bridal shower at a restaurant, ask if they offer a buffet option, which is typically much cheaper than a sit-down meal.

Bachelorette party

Sharing expenses for a bachelorette party can be tricky, but there are some general guidelines that can help. Here are some detailed instructions for navigating the financial aspects of a bachelorette party:

Discuss Budgets and Expectations:

• It is essential to have open and honest conversations about budgets and financial expectations early in the planning process.
• Use anonymous polls or individual chats to understand everyone's financial limits and comfort levels.
• Be considerate of different income levels and try to accommodate everyone's budget.
• Decide as a group if you will cover the bride's expenses or if she will pay her way.

Assign a Party Planner or Treasurer:

• Designate one person, usually the maid of honor, to be in charge of the budget and planning.
• This person should book accommodations, activities, and decorations, then inform guests of their individual costs.
• The planner can use apps like Venmo or Splitwise to track expenses and facilitate reimbursement.

Local vs. Destination Parties:

• Local bachelorette parties typically involve a night on the town, and guests are expected to cover their own expenses plus the bride's.
• For destination bachelorette parties, guests usually pay for their travel and accommodation, while the bride may contribute to lodging or purchase gifts for attendees.

Expenses Breakdown:

• Travel expenses, including flights, rental cars, gas, and accommodation, are typically covered by each guest.
• Meals, drinks, and rideshares during the trip are usually split equally among the group.
• Activities and entertainment are optional and should be discussed beforehand. The group may decide to treat the bride, but it is not mandatory.
• Decorations, party favours, and accessories are typically split evenly among the group.

Remember, flexibility is key. Be mindful of everyone's financial situation, and don't be afraid to suggest budget-friendly alternatives if needed. The most important thing is to ensure the bride feels celebrated and everyone has a wonderful time!

Wedding attire

If the bride has specific requests, such as custom designs or expensive brands, it is considerate to subsidise the cost for the bridal party or cover it entirely. This gesture acknowledges the financial commitment of the bridesmaids and ensures that the attire aligns with the desired aesthetic.

Additionally, bridesmaids may have more flexibility with their pre-wedding attire choices. For example, they can opt for more affordable and rewearable options for events like the bridal shower or bachelorette party.

When it comes to accessories, bridesmaids usually provide their own unless the bride requests matching pieces. In such cases, the bride may choose to gift the jewellery to the bridal party and request that they wear it on the wedding day.

While the financial commitment of wedding attire for bridesmaids can be significant, there are ways to make it more manageable. Communicating openly about budgets and expectations is essential, and brides can also consider subsidising or covering the cost of the attire if it aligns with their budget.

Gifts

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it can also be a major financial commitment. It is customary for bridesmaids to give the couple a wedding gift, and there are lots of options to consider when deciding what to give.

Individual or Group Gifts?

Firstly, you could consider whether you want to give an individual gift or a group gift. Some bridal parties choose to club together to buy a larger gift for the couple, while others stick with individual gifts.

If you're looking for gift inspiration, here are some ideas:

• A nice set of earrings, which they can wear to the wedding if they want.
• A travel jewellery case with their initials on it.
• A nice thermos or water bottle with their name on it.
• A book in a genre of their choice, or a beautiful notebook and pen if they're into writing or journaling.
• A nice backpack, or a shawl, scarf or pashmina if they're elegant dressers.
• A set of vintage cocktail glasses.
• A spa gift set or other self-care items, such as face masks, body lotion, scented candles or essential oils.
• A gift card for a spa day or other experience.
• A homemade item, such as a knitted item or a painting, if you're crafty.
• A consumable item, such as baked goods, chocolate, wine or gourmet marshmallows.
• A practical gift, such as a tote bag, travel bag or makeup bag.
• Something related to the wedding, such as a bracelet or necklace that matches the dresses, or a bottle of perfume that complements the wedding scent.

Remember, it's always a nice gesture to give a gift that's personalised or chosen with the individual's tastes and interests in mind.

Travel and accommodation

When it comes to travel and accommodation, bridesmaids are usually expected to pay their own way. This includes travel to the wedding, accommodation for the wedding night or weekend, and travel to and from any pre-wedding events, such as a bachelorette party.

However, there are a few exceptions to this. If the bride wants to spend the night before the wedding with her bridesmaids in a shared hotel suite, she is expected to cover the cost. The couple should also cover transportation to and from the wedding venue for the bridal party.

If the wedding is a destination wedding or the bachelorette party is in a far-flung location, these costs can quickly add up. In these cases, the couple should be mindful of how much they are asking their bridal party to pay. They may want to consider subsidising some of the costs or offering discounted group rates for travel and accommodation.

It's important to have open and transparent conversations about money to avoid any misunderstandings or resentment. Bridesmaids should be honest about what they can afford, and couples should give their bridal party an idea of the expected costs.

Additionally, if a bridesmaid is unable to attend a bachelorette party due to financial constraints, it is considered a nice gesture to contribute a small amount or find another way to surprise the bride.

Frequently asked questions