Bridesmaids Dress Budget: How Much Is Too Much?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. The cost of a bridesmaid dress will always vary, but the average bridesmaid spends $208 on a dress, with the average cost of a bridesmaid dress in 2023 being $130 per person. However, prices can vary depending on factors such as the designer, style, and location. For example, in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the US, the average cost is closer to $140 per dress. Ultimately, it's important to consult with your bridal party to determine their budget and choose a dress that is comfortable for everyone.

Bridesmaids' dress budgets

Bridesmaids Dress Budgets

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. The cost of a bridesmaid's dress will vary depending on factors such as the type of wedding, the designer, the style, and location. For example, a bridesmaid dress for a black-tie wedding will differ in cost from a casual gown for a backyard gathering.

Average Cost of a Bridesmaid Dress

According to The Knot's 2023 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress in 2023 was $130 per person, which has remained unchanged since 2021. However, prices can vary, with some dresses costing between $100 to $200, $200 to $350, or even $350 and above. It is important to note that the average cost can also differ based on region, with higher averages in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the US.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for a bridesmaid dress, it is essential to factor in additional expenses such as alterations, which can add up depending on the type of changes required. For example, hemming the gown length, tailoring the bust, waist, or hips, and shortening the straps can increase the overall cost.

Moreover, completing the bridesmaid look may involve purchasing accessories such as jewellery, shoes, and a clutch. Undergarments, such as shapewear or a special bra, may also need to be considered.

Tips for Staying Within Budget

• Determine Your Budget: Be transparent with the couple about your budget constraints to avoid paying more than you can afford.
• Try Before You Buy: Take advantage of at-home try-on services offered by some retailers to find the perfect style without buying multiple dresses.
• Choose Mismatched Dresses: Opting for a mismatched bridesmaid look can provide more flexibility in terms of budget and allow you to express your personal style while staying within the bride's colour and style preferences.
• Rent a Dress: Renting a dress is a cost-effective and sustainable option, with rental services like Nuuly and Rent the Runway offering a wide range of choices.
• Shop Secondhand: Explore secondhand options on platforms like Poshmark, thredUP, and eBay to find once-used dresses in excellent condition at more affordable prices.

Communication is Key

Frequent and transparent communication is vital when discussing bridesmaid dress budgets. It is important to have open conversations about financial expectations and be honest about what you can realistically afford to alleviate potential financial stressors.

Accessories

Budgeting for Accessories

Firstly, it's important to consider the overall budget for the bridesmaid's outfit, which includes the dress, shoes, and accessories. The average cost of a bridesmaid dress is around $130, but it can vary depending on factors such as the designer, style, and location. It's a good idea to discuss the budget with your bridesmaids to understand what they are comfortable spending.

Types of Accessories

Bridesmaids often purchase new shoes for the wedding, and it is common for them to buy additional accessories such as jewellery (necklaces, earrings), hair accessories, and a clutch bag. These accessories can enhance the overall look and ensure the bridesmaids feel confident and comfortable.

Cost of Accessories

On average, bridesmaids spend around $120 on accessories. However, this cost can be reduced by wearing shoes they already own or borrowing accessories. The bride may also choose to purchase these accessories as gifts for her bridesmaids, which is a thoughtful way to thank them for their support and contribution to the wedding.

Hair and Makeup

In addition to accessories, hair and makeup are also important considerations. If the bride requires professional hair and makeup for her bridesmaids, it is customary for her to cover these costs as a gift. However, if the bridesmaids are given the option to choose, they may opt to pay for professional services or do their own hair and makeup to stay within their budget.

Other Considerations

When budgeting for accessories, it's important to keep in mind any additional costs such as alterations, which can add up depending on the type of changes needed. It's also worth noting that some bridesmaids may prefer to buy a pre-owned dress or rent a dress to save money, which can free up some budget for accessories.

In summary, accessories are an important part of a bridesmaid's outfit and can range from shoes to jewellery and hairpieces. Discussing the budget with your bridesmaids and considering options to reduce costs can help ensure everyone is comfortable and happy with the final look.

Hair and makeup

There are various factors to consider when it comes to hair and makeup for bridesmaids, and costs can vary widely. The bride's budget is a key consideration, and it's not always possible for her to cover hair and makeup costs for her bridesmaids, especially if there is a large bridal party. However, it is a nice way to thank her friends for their support and make it more affordable for them to be part of the wedding. If the bride is unable to cover all the costs, there are a few options to consider. She may choose to cover a portion of the services, such as paying for hair or makeup, or she may offer to pay for her maid of honour only. Another option is to split the costs between the bride and bridesmaids.

The costs of hair and makeup services depend on several factors, including the location of the wedding, the complexity of the chosen style, and the experience level of the artist. The average cost of wedding hair ranges from $100 to $350, while the average cost of wedding makeup is $140, but this can go up to $1,500 depending on various factors. It's worth noting that these beauticians usually charge by the hour, so more elaborate and time-consuming styles will generally be more expensive.

If the bride is not requiring professional hair and makeup for her bridesmaids, it is still a good idea to make it optional and provide suggestions for local salons with a range of price options. This gives the bridesmaids choices and ensures there is no pressure to pay for services they may not be able to afford.

Trials are another cost to consider, with the average price ranging from $50 to $200. While not all technicians require a trial, it is a good opportunity to test out the desired glam look before the big day.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of hair and makeup costs for bridesmaids. The bride's budget, the size of the bridal party, and the location and complexity of the desired styles will all play a role in determining the final costs.

Travel and accommodation

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it can also be a major financial commitment. One of the biggest expenses is the cost of travel and accommodation.

Traditionally, how the bridesmaids get to the wedding and where they stay is their own responsibility. Brides may offer to split the costs of travel and accommodations, or they may set up hotel room blocks at discounted rates. It's best to iron out these details a few months in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.

If the wedding is in a far-flung location, it's a nice gesture for the bride to cover the cost of the bridesmaids' travel and accommodation. If this isn't possible, the bride should at least be flexible about where the bridesmaids stay so they aren't obliged to pay an expensive room fee if they would prefer a more affordable alternative.

Bridesmaids should also be given plenty of notice about the wedding details so that they can plan and budget their finances.

Pre-wedding parties

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities and expenses. Pre-wedding parties are a big part of being a bridesmaid. These include the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and engagement party. Planning and attending these events can be costly, with the bachelorette party being the most expensive, especially if it involves travel to a different location. On average, a bridesmaid can spend over $800 on these pre-wedding parties, including hosting responsibilities, travel, and gifts.

The cost of a bridesmaid dress varies and depends on factors such as the couple's budget, dress designer, style, and location. The average cost of a bridesmaid dress is around $130 to $208 per person, but it can go up to $250 or more. It is important to have open and transparent communication about budgets with the bride and other bridesmaids to ensure everyone is comfortable with the expenses.

To save money on the bridesmaid dress, there are a few options to consider. One option is to choose mismatched dresses, allowing each bridesmaid to pick a dress within a specified colour scheme and their budget. Another option is to look for pre-owned or second-hand dresses on sites like eBay or Poshmark. Renting a dress from sites like Rent the Runway is also a cost-effective and sustainable option. Additionally, some brides may offer to contribute or cover the cost of the dress, alterations, or accessories as a gift to their bridesmaids.

Frequently asked questions