The True Cost Of Being In A Wedding Party

Being a bridesmaid is an honour, but it's also a big financial responsibility. The cost of being a bridesmaid varies depending on the bride and the wedding, but it can quickly add up to over $1000 per wedding. On top of the cost of a bridesmaid dress, which averages $130-$150, there are often travel expenses, hair and makeup, accessories, and the cost of pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelorette party. It's important for brides to be transparent about their expectations and for bridesmaids to be honest about their budget to avoid any misunderstandings or resentment.

Travel and accommodation

As a bridesmaid or member of the bridal party, you may be expected to attend the wedding, as well as other events such as the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. These events can often be held in different locations, sometimes even in different countries, so it's important to factor in the cost of travel and accommodation when considering your overall budget.

For each event, you will likely need to book transportation and, if it's an overnight trip, accommodation. The cost of flights, trains, or petrol for driving can quickly add up, especially if you're attending multiple events in different locations. It's important to consider the distance and means of travel when budgeting for these expenses.

When it comes to accommodation, the cost can vary depending on the location and type of lodging. You may be able to share a room with other members of the bridal party to reduce costs, or the couple may offer to cover the cost of accommodation for the bridal party. It's important to discuss these details with the couple and other members of the bridal party in advance to get a clear understanding of the expected expenses.

Additionally, don't forget to factor in any additional costs such as car rentals, parking fees, or ride-sharing services. These expenses can sometimes be overlooked but can add a significant amount to your overall spending.

To estimate the cost of travel and accommodation for the bridal party, it's advisable to create a spreadsheet that outlines each event, the expected costs, and whether those costs will be shared with other members of the bridal party. This will help you to set aside an appropriate budget and ensure you're prepared for any financial commitments associated with being a part of the bridal party.

Hair and makeup

There are several factors to consider when determining who pays for hair and makeup for the bridal party. While the bride traditionally covers all glam costs for her bridesmaids, this is not always feasible, especially for larger bridal parties or weddings where the bride is already paying for flights and hotels for her bridal party. In these cases, the bride may ask her bridesmaids to pay for their hair and makeup, or they may decide to split the costs.

The bride's and bridesmaids' financial situations will play a significant role in determining who pays. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, with costs for gowns, parties, and other fees quickly adding up. Therefore, some brides may not feel comfortable asking their friends to pay for hair and makeup on top of these other expenses. On the other hand, some brides may be struggling to cover all the wedding costs, so having their bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup can be a huge help.

The cost of hair and makeup services is another important consideration. Booking expensive stylists may not be feasible for everyone's budget.section

There are a few possible payment scenarios to consider:

• The bride pays for all hair and makeup services for her bridesmaids.
• The bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup services.
• The bride and bridesmaids go 50/50 on the costs, with each party paying for half.

It's important to finalize the decision on who will pay for hair and makeup services as early as possible, so that everyone can prepare their budget accordingly and there are no surprise bills before the wedding.

The average cost of wedding hair and makeup can vary depending on location, the complexity of the style, and the experience level of the artist. On average, wedding hair costs between $100 to $350, while wedding makeup costs around $140 but can go up to $1500 in certain locations. Bridesmaid hair and makeup typically cost around $185 total for both services, with hair costing around $95 and makeup costing around $90.

In addition to the base cost of hair and makeup, there may be additional fees for services such as hair and makeup trials, airbrush makeup, elaborate styles or extensions, false eyelash application, and extra hours for touch-ups. It's also customary to tip your hair stylist and makeup artist, with gratuity ranging from 15-25% of the total bill.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who pays for hair and makeup for the bridal party, transparency and early communication are key to ensuring that everyone is on the same page and can plan accordingly.

Accessories

The cost of accessories for a bridesmaid or bridal party member can vary depending on the bride's preferences and the individual's budget. Here are some things to consider when planning for accessories:

Shoes

Nearly 80% of bridesmaids purchase new shoes to wear with their bridesmaid dress. If the bride requests specific shoes, it is customary for her to cover the cost. However, if the bridesmaids are given freedom to choose their own shoes, they will likely have to pay for them themselves. This can be an opportunity to save money by wearing shoes they already own or borrowing from someone else.

Jewellery and Hair Accessories

Over 60% of bridesmaids buy additional accessories like necklaces, earrings, and hair accessories. On average, bridesmaids spend around $120 on these extra accessories. Again, the bride may purchase these as gifts for her bridal party, or the bridesmaids can opt for more affordable options or items they already own.

Nails, Hair and Makeup

If the bride requires her bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup professionally done, it is polite for her to cover these costs. If the choice is left to the bridesmaids, they can pay for professional services or do their own hair and makeup. About half of bridesmaids choose to have their hair done professionally, while 37% opt for professional makeup services. On average, a bridesmaid will pay $72 for wedding-day hair and $60 for wedding-day makeup.

Travel and Accommodation

Travel and accommodation costs can quickly add up, especially for destination weddings or if the bridal party is participating in a far-flung bachelorette party. On average, a bridesmaid spends $115 on travel to the wedding destination and $205 on accommodations. Couples can help offset these costs by booking hotel room blocks or negotiating group rates for air travel.

Gifts

While gifts are not mandatory, they are a great way to thank your bridal party for their time, energy, and financial contributions to your wedding. The amount you spend on gifts is entirely up to you and your budget. On average, couples spend around $80 per person, while other sources suggest an amount between $50 to $150 per bridesmaid. This amount can also be determined by calculating 10% of the total amount you expect your bridesmaids to spend on your wedding, including their dress, shoes, jewellery, hair, makeup, manicures, bachelorette/bridal parties, and travel expenses.

If you have a maid of honour, it is recommended to spend 15-20% more on their gift, as they often have additional responsibilities, such as planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party.

You can give your bridal party a single gift or multiple gifts at different times during the wedding planning process and on the wedding day. Small gifts, such as a thoughtful note, a bottle of champagne, or a personalised item, are often given when "proposing" to your bridal party. On the wedding day, gifts can be given as a thank you for their participation and support. These gifts can be something they can wear during the wedding, such as jewellery or customised sneakers, or something unrelated to the wedding, like a gift card, self-care goodies, or a picture frame.

If your budget allows, you may also consider subsidising or covering certain costs for your bridal party, such as their dresses, accessories, hair, and makeup. This can be a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and alleviate some of their financial burden.

Regardless of the amount you spend, the most important element is to include a personal, handwritten note expressing your gratitude for their friendship and support.

Bachelorette party

Bachelorette parties can be a significant expense for the bridal party, with costs varying depending on the location and duration of the event. While there are no hard and fast rules, here is a general guide on how costs are typically split for a bachelorette party.

Local Bachelorette Parties

For a local bachelorette party, the bridesmaids and any other guests are expected to pay for their share of the bill, as well as the bride's expenses, such as dinner, drinks, and other activities. The maid of honour typically takes the lead in planning and may cover some extra costs, such as decorations, drinks, snacks, or party favours.

Destination Bachelorette Parties

For a destination bachelorette party, the costs are typically split evenly among all attendees, including the bride. This includes transportation, entertainment, and lodging. The bridal party may also chip in for the bride's travel and accommodation costs, especially if it is a particularly expensive trip.

Food and Drinks

When it comes to food and drinks, there are a few options. Guests may choose to bring their own, or everyone can split the costs of dining out and bar-hopping evenly. The bride usually covers her own tabs for meals and drinks, but the bridal party may offer to treat her as a special gesture.

Activities and Extras

Any special experiences or group activities should be considered optional, as they may not fit everyone's budget. These could include boat rides, spa days, concerts, or other excursions. The bride may choose to cover these costs herself or ask the bridal party to contribute.

Communication is Key

It is important to have open and honest communication about finances with the bride and the entire bridal party. Be transparent about what you can afford, and work together to find a balance that ensures the bride has an unforgettable celebration within a budget that everyone is comfortable with.

Cost-Splitting Apps

To make cost-splitting easier, there are apps like Splitwise and Venmo, which allow for equal or percentage-based splitting of expenses and seamless payment sharing.

Frequently asked questions