The Cost Of Three Bridesmaids: How Much To Budget?

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 on average, it can cost around $1200 per wedding, and this can quickly increase to over $1800. This includes the cost of the bridesmaid dress, travel to and from the wedding, hair, makeup, and other accessories. It's important to have open and honest communication about budget expectations to avoid any financial stressors.

Bridesmaid dress, shoes, and accessories

The cost of a bridesmaid's dress, shoes, and accessories can vary depending on the bride's preferences, the wedding's location, and the bridesmaid's budget. Here are some estimates to give you an idea:

Bridesmaid Dress

The cost of a bridesmaid's dress can range from $100 to upwards of $800. The average cost is typically between $100 and $300, but it can be higher for more lavish weddings or if the bride chooses a more expensive option. It's worth noting that bridesmaids often need to pay for alterations, which can cost around $30 to $100, depending on the extent of the changes needed.

Bridesmaid Shoes and Accessories

Bridesmaids usually need to purchase specific shoes and accessories to match their dress. The average cost of bridesmaid shoes can range from $30 to $100 or more, depending on the style and brand. Accessories like jewellery, hairpieces, and undergarments can add at least another $50 to $100 to the total cost.

Tips for Saving Money

• Look for pre-owned or second-hand dresses online.
• Choose mismatched dresses within a specific colour palette or style. This gives bridesmaids more flexibility to find a dress within their budget and can also be easier to wear again.
• Rent the bridesmaid dresses instead of buying them.
• If the bride requires specific shoes or accessories, consider borrowing them or buying second-hand.

Communication is Key

It's important to have open and honest communication between the bride and the bridesmaids about budget expectations. The bride should be clear about all financial responsibilities from the start, and bridesmaids should feel comfortable being honest about their budget constraints.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the cost of being a bridesmaid encompasses more than just the dress, shoes, and accessories. There are often additional expenses for pre-wedding events, travel, accommodation, hair, and makeup, which can quickly increase the overall cost of being a bridesmaid.

Bachelorette party

Planning a bachelorette party can be daunting, especially when factoring in the potential costs. According to a study by The Knot, the average cost of a bachelorette party is $1,300, a $600 increase since 2019. However, it's important to note that the majority of attendees spend less than $1,000, but one in ten spend over $3,000. The cost of a bachelorette party can vary depending on the length of the event and the chosen destination.

For example, a one to two-day bachelorette party may cost around $1,135 per person, while a three to four-day celebration may cost approximately $1,630. If the event requires air travel, the average cost increases significantly, with attendees spending around $2,000 compared to $900 for those who can travel by car. Additionally, the choice of accommodation can also impact the overall cost, with hotels being the most popular option, followed by home rentals, which have gained popularity as a more budget-friendly alternative.

When planning a bachelorette party, it is essential to consider the financial situation of the bridesmaids. While some may be willing and able to spend upwards of $1,000, others may have a more limited budget. It is recommended to have open and honest conversations about budgets to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the planned activities and expenses.

To save costs, one can consider a local celebration or a themed event, such as a casino night or a spa day, rather than a destination bachelorette party. Additionally, choosing budget-friendly accommodations, such as Airbnb or Groupon deals, can also help reduce expenses.

It is also worth noting that the cost of being a bridesmaid encompasses more than just the bachelorette party. Other expenses may include the bridesmaid dress, alterations, accessories, hair and makeup, travel, accommodation, and gifts for the bridal shower and wedding. Therefore, it is crucial to have transparent discussions about financial expectations to ensure that everyone is on the same page and to avoid placing undue financial burden on the bridesmaids.

Travel and accommodation

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it's also a major financial commitment. Travel and accommodation are a big part of this.

Travel

If you're lucky, the wedding will be close to where you live. However, attending a wedding often involves travel, which can be as cheap as a tank of gas or as expensive as a flight to the other side of the world. The cost of travel for a bridesmaid averages $115 for a wedding in the same city and $205 for accommodation.

Accommodation

Even if you live in the same city as the wedding, most brides want their bridesmaids to stay near them the night before the wedding. This means that bridesmaids often have to pay for 1-2 nights in a hotel. This cost can be higher if the wedding is in a big city, on a holiday weekend, or in a tourist destination.

Ways to Save Money

There are a few ways to save money on travel and accommodation costs. The couple getting married might book hotel room blocks at discounted rates, or negotiate a group rate with an air carrier. If the wedding is in a destination that requires a long flight, you could share a room with another bridesmaid instead of getting your own.

Other Costs

Hair and makeup

There are many factors to consider when it comes to hair and makeup for bridesmaids. The cost will depend on the location, the complexity of the style, and the experience level of the artist, among other factors.

Location

The cost of hair and makeup services can vary depending on the location of the wedding. For example, getting your hair and makeup done in a large city like New York will likely be more expensive than in a smaller town or rural area. Additionally, if you are having a destination wedding, you may need to cover additional expenses such as airfare and lodging for your hair and makeup artist.

Complexity of Style

The complexity and intricacy of the desired style will also impact the cost. More elaborate and intricate hairstyles and makeup looks will typically come with a higher price tag. For example, an updo is usually more expensive than a blowout, and airbrush makeup costs more than traditional makeup.

Experience Level of Artist

The experience level of the hair and makeup artist will also affect the price. Senior artists or those with more years of experience will generally charge higher rates than newer stylists or those just starting out in the industry.

Additional Costs

There may also be additional costs to consider, such as travel fees if the artist needs to come to your location, trial runs or consultations, false eyelashes, hair extensions, and touch-ups or additional hours. It is also customary to tip your hair and makeup artist, typically between 15-25% of the total bill.

Who Pays?

Finally, it is worth noting that there is no set rule on who pays for bridesmaid hair and makeup. It often depends on the bride's budget and preferences. Some brides may choose to cover the cost as a gift to their bridesmaids, while others may ask their bridesmaids to pay for their own services, especially if there is a large bridal party. In some cases, the bride and bridesmaids may split the cost or come to a compromise, such as the bride paying for one service (e.g., hair or makeup) while the bridesmaid pays for the other.

Average Cost

The average cost of bridesmaid hair and makeup is around $150 per person, with makeup costing around $75 and hairstyling ranging from $50 to $75. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above, such as location and style complexity.

In summary, the cost of hair and makeup for bridesmaids can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. It is important to consider the location, the complexity of the desired style, the experience level of the artist, and any additional costs that may be incurred. Discussing these factors with your hair and makeup artist in advance can help you better understand the expected costs and plan accordingly.

Wedding gift

While there are no hard and fast rules about giving gifts to your bridesmaids, it is a highly recommended way to show your appreciation for their time, money, and emotional support. The amount you spend on a wedding gift for your bridesmaids is entirely up to you and your budget, but it's important to acknowledge the financial commitment they've made to your wedding.

The average cost of being a bridesmaid can range from $100 to $1500, with some spending as little as $100-500 and others over $3000. This includes expenses such as the dress, shoes, jewellery, hair, makeup, manicures, bachelorette/bridal parties, and travel. With that in mind, you may want to consider a gift that provides some financial relief, such as covering their hair and makeup costs, or giving them a gift card to their favourite coffee shop.

If you're looking for guidance on how much to spend on a wedding gift for your bridesmaids, a good rule of thumb is to spend around what you would on their birthday or holiday gift. On average, couples spend around $75 to $100 per bridesmaid, but this can vary depending on your relationship and their responsibilities. For example, you may want to spend a little more on your maid of honour, especially if they've taken on additional planning duties.

• Personalized jewellery, such as a bracelet and necklace set, or a piece of jewellery in their birthstone or favourite colour.
• Matching bridal robes or stylish clutches, which can be used on the wedding day and make great photo props.
• Mini bottles of champagne or their favourite beverage, along with champagne flutes that can be used during the wedding preparations and saved as keepsakes.
• Relaxation kits or homemade treats, such as a scent or theme-based gift basket.
• A thoughtful thank-you card or handwritten letter expressing your gratitude for their support and participation in your wedding.

Frequently asked questions