The True Cost Of Being A Bridesmaid

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it's also a major financial commitment. The cost of being a bridesmaid varies depending on the bride and the wedding, but it can quickly add up. On average, a bridesmaid spends $208 on a dress, $72 for hair, and $60 for makeup. They may also be expected to pay for travel and accommodation, which can cost around $320, as well as gifts for the bridal shower and bachelorette party, which can cost over $800. All in all, the average cost of being a bridesmaid is $1200 per wedding, but it can easily increase to over $1800.

Travel and accommodation

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. When it comes to travel and accommodation, the costs can quickly add up, especially if the wedding is in a different city or country. Here are some things to consider when planning and budgeting for travel and accommodation as a bridesmaid:

Location

If the wedding is taking place in the city where you live, that's a huge plus as you won't need to factor in travel costs. However, if the wedding is elsewhere, you may need to consider transportation costs such as flights, train tickets, or petrol if you're driving. Destination weddings can be particularly expensive, often requiring long flights and overnight accommodations.

Accommodations

As a bridesmaid, you may need to pay for your own accommodations for the night before and/or the night of the wedding. On average, a bridesmaid spends around $205 on accommodations. To save costs, you can share a room with another bridesmaid or look for more affordable options. Sometimes, the couple may help out by booking hotel room blocks, which can provide a discount for guests.

Transportation

In addition to accommodations, transportation to and from the wedding venue is another expense to consider. This could include taxi or ride-sharing services, car rentals, or public transportation fares. If the wedding is in a remote location, you may also need to factor in the cost of getting there, such as flights or train tickets.

Timing

The timing of the wedding can also impact travel and accommodation costs. If the wedding is during a peak travel season or a holiday weekend, prices for flights and hotels may be higher. It's important to book accommodations in advance to avoid last-minute price increases.

Multiple Weddings

If you're a bridesmaid in multiple weddings, the travel and accommodation costs can add up quickly. It's important to consider your budget and priorities when committing to multiple weddings. You may need to choose which weddings to attend or find ways to save costs, such as sharing accommodations with other bridesmaids.

Communication

Open and honest communication with the bride and other bridesmaids is key when discussing travel and accommodation plans. Be clear about your budget and what you can afford. The bride may be able to offer suggestions or help with accommodations, especially if she has a room block reserved for the wedding party.

Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party is another event that can impact travel and accommodation costs. If it's in a different location than the wedding, you'll need to factor in additional transportation and accommodation expenses. Discuss plans and budgets with the other bridesmaids to ensure everyone is comfortable with the arrangements.

Being a bridesmaid is a special role, but it's important to be mindful of the financial commitments involved. By planning ahead and communicating openly, you can help manage travel and accommodation costs effectively.

Gifts

While there is no strict rule on how much to spend on bridesmaids' gifts, there are several recommendations to ensure your bridal party feels appreciated.

First, it is important to understand the costs incurred by your bridesmaids. On average, a bridesmaid will spend between $1200 and $1500, with some spending as much as $3000. These costs include the dress, shoes, jewellery, hair, makeup, manicures, bachelorette/bridal parties, and travel expenses.

When deciding on a budget for gifts, it is recommended to allocate around 10% of the total cost incurred by your bridesmaids, which would be between $75 and $150 per bridesmaid. For those on a tighter budget, $50 per person is still a thoughtful gift, especially when accompanied by a handwritten thank-you card. If you have the budget, it is also a nice gesture to cover some of the bridesmaids' expenses, such as their dresses, accessories, hair, or makeup.

If you have a maid of honour, it is customary to allocate a slightly higher budget for their gift, around 15-20% of their total spend, as they often take on more responsibilities, such as planning the bachelorette party and bridal shower.

When it comes to gift ideas, personalisation is key. Monogrammed items, such as jewellery, clutches, or drinkware, are always a good option. You can also give gifts that can be used on the wedding day, such as matching bridal robes or stylish clutches. Other unique ideas include a personalised thermos for the outdoorsy type or a luxe skincare set for the beauty guru.

Remember, the most important thing is to show your appreciation for your bridal party's time, effort, and financial contribution to your special day.

Dress and accessories

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it can also be a major financial commitment. The cost of being a bridesmaid can vary depending on the bride and the wedding, but it's important to be prepared for the financial cost. One of the biggest expenses for bridesmaids is the dress and accessories.

The average bridesmaid spends $130-$150 on their dress, according to a study from The Knot. However, this price can vary depending on the region and the specific dress. For example, bridesmaids on the west coast may pay more for a dress than those in the Midwest. It's also worth noting that nearly all bridesmaids will need to get their dresses altered, which can cost an additional $30-$100.

In terms of accessories, the bride may request that the bridesmaids purchase matching items such as shoes, jewellery, hairpieces, or nails. According to WeddingWire, nearly 80% of bridesmaids buy new shoes to go with their dress, and over 60% buy additional accessories. On average, bridesmaids spend around $120 on these extra items. However, there are ways to save money, such as wearing shoes you already own or borrowing accessories.

It's also important to consider the cost of alterations, which can add an extra $70 to the final cost of the dress.

Overall, the dress and accessories can be a significant expense for bridesmaids, but there are ways to save money, such as choosing a less expensive dress, buying pre-owned, or renting a dress. It's also important to have open and honest communication with the bride about budget expectations.

Hair and makeup

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. There are a few different options when it comes to hair and makeup for bridesmaids, and the costs can vary depending on the services provided and the location of the wedding.

Option 1: Bride Pays for Hair and Makeup

The most traditional arrangement is for the bride to cover all hair and makeup costs for the bridal party. This allows the bride to have more control over the beauty agenda for the big day and ensures everyone is in the same place, following a set schedule. However, this option can be expensive and difficult to coordinate, especially with a large bridal party.

Option 2: Bridesmaids Pay for Hair and Makeup

Another option is to let bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup services. This approach gives bridesmaids the freedom to choose their preferred stylists and can be more cost-effective for the bride, especially if she has a large bridal party. However, it's important to note that being a bridesmaid is already a significant financial commitment, with expenses including bridesmaid dresses, accessories, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and travel.

Option 3: Bride and Bridesmaids Split the Cost

A third possibility is for the bride and bridesmaids to split the cost of hair and makeup services. This can be a great middle ground, especially if the bride wants to treat her bridesmaids but doesn't have the budget to cover all the costs. The bride may choose to pay for a portion of the services, such as hair or makeup, or offer a beauty credit to each bridesmaid to contribute to the cost.

Costs of Hair and Makeup Services

The cost of hair and makeup services for bridesmaids can vary depending on the location and the complexity of the styles. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay around $150 for hair and makeup, with makeup costing around $75 and hairstyling ranging from $50 to $75. More elaborate hairstyles and makeup applications will result in higher costs. Travel fees may also apply if the stylists need to travel to the wedding location.

Communicating About Costs

It's important for the bride and bridesmaids to have open and honest communication about financial expectations and limitations. Discussing costs early on and being flexible with options can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and avoid any last-minute surprises.

Pre-wedding parties

Engagement Party

While not always the case, bridesmaids are sometimes expected to contribute to the engagement party by buying treats or other supplies. It's important to communicate with the other bridesmaids and the bride to understand what is expected of you financially for this event.

Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is typically hosted and paid for by a close family member or friend of the bride. However, if you choose to help plan the bridal shower, you may be expected to contribute financially. If you're not hosting, you're still expected to bring a gift for the bride. As a bridesmaid, it's a good idea to touch base with the maid of honour or the bride's mother to understand the expectations and budget for this event.

Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party is one of the biggest expenses for bridesmaids. These parties are increasingly becoming destination celebrations, which can quickly increase the cost. Bridesmaids should expect to cover most of the costs for this event, including travel, accommodation, decorations, food, drinks, and gifts. If the celebration is particularly expensive, it's common to pitch in for the bride's portion, such as her hotel costs. It's essential to have open communication with the other bridesmaids and the bride to set a budget and plan accordingly.

Gifts

In addition to the parties themselves, bridesmaids are also expected to purchase gifts for the bride and couple. This can include a bridal shower gift and a separate wedding gift. It is customary to bring a gift to the bridal shower, especially if you are not hosting. For the wedding gift, you can consider buying something small from the registry or chipping in with the other bridesmaids for a larger group gift.

Travel and Accommodation

If the pre-wedding parties require travel, bridesmaids are typically responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodations. This can add up quickly, especially if there are multiple events in different locations. It's important to factor these costs into your budget and communicate with the other bridesmaids and the bride to find ways to minimise expenses, such as by sharing rooms or transportation.

Being a bridesmaid comes with financial responsibilities, and pre-wedding parties are a significant part of that. It's essential to have open and honest communication with the bride and the other bridesmaids to set realistic budgets and plan accordingly.

Frequently asked questions