Bridesmaids' Budget: How Much To Spend Asking Them?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. The cost of being a bridesmaid varies depending on the bride's expectations and the location of the wedding. On average, it is estimated that being a bridesmaid costs around $1200 per wedding, but this figure is likely to be higher now and can range from $1100 in the Midwest to $1360 on the West Coast.

The biggest expense for bridesmaids is often the bachelorette party, which can cost over $1000 if it is a destination event. Other costs can include the bridal shower, wedding shower, wedding gift, travel and accommodation, hair and makeup, and the bridesmaid dress and accessories. It is important for bridesmaids to be honest about what they can afford and for the bride to be flexible and understanding of their financial needs.

Bridesmaids' dresses

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, and it's important to keep the budget in mind, especially since your bridesmaids will be sacrificing both their time and money. While the cost of a bridesmaid dress will always vary, it is generally agreed that bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses, which can range from $99 to $300 or more.

There are a few ways to keep costs down for your bridesmaids. One option is to choose a specific colour or colour palette, and a style detail such as length, neckline, fabric or aesthetic, and let your bridesmaids pick their own dresses within those parameters. This can also help to ensure that your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident. Another option is to look for pre-owned dresses on sites like eBay or Poshmark, or to rent dresses from sites like Rent the Runway.

In addition to the dress, there are a few other costs that bridesmaids may need to consider, such as alterations, shoes, jewellery, and hair and makeup. These costs can add up, so it's important to be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets and offer to help out if needed. For example, you could offer to pay for alterations or gift them accessories.

It's also worth considering the cost of pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower and bachelorette party, as well as travel and accommodation for the wedding itself. These costs can vary depending on the location and duration of the events, but they can quickly add up, so it's important to discuss budgets with your bridesmaids early on to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Overall, the key to managing the cost of bridesmaid dresses is open and honest communication about budgets and expectations. By offering a few price ranges and being mindful of additional costs, you can help ensure that your bridesmaids feel included and valued without breaking the bank.

Hair and makeup

There are several factors to consider when it comes to budgeting for hair and makeup for bridesmaids. The cost will depend on the location of the wedding, the complexity of the chosen style, and the experience level of the artist, among other factors. On average, bridesmaid hair and makeup can range from $75 to $300 per service, with the total cost being around $185 for both services.

One option is to have a package deal for hair and makeup, which can range from $120 to $185 per bridesmaid. This can be a more cost-effective option and ensure a cohesive look for the bridal party. However, it is important to note that the bride is not required to pay for the bridesmaids' hair and makeup unless she is requiring them to have it professionally done. If the bridesmaids are given the option to DIY, then they can pay for it themselves.

If the bride chooses to pay for the bridesmaids' hair and makeup, she may want to consider splitting the cost with them or offering it as a gift. This can be a generous gesture, especially if the bridesmaids are already incurring other expenses such as travel, accommodation, and bridesmaid dresses.

Another option is to allow bridesmaids to choose their own hair and makeup artists, which can give them more flexibility and control over their look. In this case, the bride can provide a list of recommended artists or salons within a certain price range to ensure the bridesmaids' costs remain manageable.

It is also important to consider additional costs such as trials, touch-ups, and travel fees for the artists. These can add up quickly, so it is essential to communicate with the artists beforehand to understand their pricing structure and any potential hidden costs.

Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to budgeting for bridesmaids' hair and makeup. The bride should consider her budget, the size of the bridal party, and the preferences of the bridesmaids themselves when making a decision. Clear communication and flexibility are key to ensuring everyone is happy with the arrangement.

Travel and accommodation

Being a bridesmaid can be a costly affair, with travel and accommodation often making up a large part of the expense.

Travel Costs

If you're lucky, the wedding will be held close to where you live, but for many, attending a wedding involves travel. This can be as cheap as a tank of gas or as expensive as a flight to the other side of the world.

Accommodation Costs

Even if you live in the same town as the wedding, most brides want their bridesmaids to stay with them the night before the wedding. This means that bridesmaids often have to pay for one or two 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

There are a few ways to save on travel and accommodation costs for bridesmaids:

• The bride can set up hotel room blocks at discounted rates.
• The bride can be flexible about where the bridesmaids stay, so they aren't obliged to pay for an expensive room.
• The bride can offer to split the costs of travel and accommodation.
• The bachelorette party can be held at the same time as the wedding, so bridesmaids only have to travel once.

Communicating About Costs

It's important to have open and honest conversations about costs. The bride should communicate early on what costs the bridesmaids will be expected to cover and be willing to compromise and be flexible. Bridesmaids should also be honest about what they can afford and what their budget is.

Gifts

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it also comes with a lot of financial commitments. It is important to be honest about what you can afford, as this will alleviate financial stress. While gifts are not mandatory, they are highly recommended as a way of showing your appreciation for your bridesmaids' time, money, and emotional support.

• Drinkware
• Totes
• Clutches
• Makeup bags
• Apparel
• Jewellery
• Monogrammed coffee mugs
• Mini perfume bottles
• Astrology books
• Custom-stamped necklaces and bracelets
• Birth flower or birthstone rings and earrings
• Monogrammed bags
• Travel accessories
• One-of-a-kind artwork
• Self-care goodies
• A picture frame
• Wine paraphernalia
• A gift card

You can also opt to pay for some of their wedding costs as a gift, such as their dresses, accessories, makeup, hair, or housing accommodations.

The amount you spend on bridesmaid gifts is up to you and should be based on your wedding budget. A good rule of thumb is to spend around what you would spend on a birthday or holiday gift. On average, couples spend around $80 per person, but if you can only afford $50, that's okay too. It's the thought that counts!

Pre-wedding parties

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it can also be a major financial commitment. The cost of being a bridesmaid is about $1,200 per wedding, but this can quickly increase to over $1,800. This cost includes the bridesmaid dress, travel to and from the wedding, hair, makeup, and pre-wedding parties.

If you are planning or participating in a bachelorette party, it is important to make a game plan and clearly communicate with all attendees about the cost. It is also important to be mindful of the financial situation of the bridal party and not be offended if anyone declines the trip.

In addition to the bachelorette party, there may also be costs associated with the bridal shower. This is usually hosted and paid for by the maid of honour or a set of bridesmaids. However, there are no hard and fast rules, and sometimes the couple or the mother of the bride's family may contribute.

Other pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party, can also add to the cost of being a bridesmaid. It is important for couples to give their bridal party an idea of the expected costs and for the bridal party to be transparent about what they can and cannot afford.

Frequently asked questions