Bridesmaids' Expenses: What Do They Pay For?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. While the specifics of what bridesmaids pay for can vary depending on the wedding and the couple, there are several common expenses that bridesmaids often cover. These include the cost of their outfits, accessories, hair and makeup, travel and accommodation, pre-wedding events like the bachelorette party and bridal shower, and gifts for the bride and couple. It's important for bridesmaids to be aware of the potential costs involved and to communicate openly with the bride and other members of the bridal party to ensure a clear understanding of financial expectations.

Bridal shower

Planning a bridal shower can be a fun but expensive affair. The good news is that there are no hard and fast rules about who pays for it. It's usually hosted by the maid of honour, but it can also be hosted by the mother of the bride, the bridal party, or a mix of these parties.

If you're the maid of honour, it's a good idea to start by sharing what you're able to contribute financially and then crowdsource from the rest of the group. This will help establish a starting point for your budget and determine the type of event you can host.

If the mother of the bride is hosting, it's common for her to split the cost with other relatives, like aunts, grandmothers, and future in-laws.

If the bridal party is hosting, they will likely be asked to pay for some of the expenses, such as decorations, favours, or surprises for the bride-to-be.

The average cost of a bridal shower will depend on the type of event. For a DIY celebration at home, your expenses will be lower. For a more elaborate event at a venue, you can expect to pay an average of $50 to $100 per person.

• Have a conversation with the bride to understand her preferences and what activities and expenses she cares about.
• Stick to the basics and don't get caught up in extra add-ons that can blow your budget.
• Opt for smaller tables to decorate, as they are more affordable and will look filled and exciting.
• Consider a co-ed shower to spread the costs among a larger group of guests.
• Ask other bridesmaids or family members to help with planning and setting up.

Bachelorette party

Planning a bachelorette party is one of the most fun parts of being a bridesmaid, but it can also be a significant financial burden. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to budgeting for the event:

Location

The location of the bachelorette party will be a major factor in determining the cost. If it is a local party, with just a night on the town, the costs will be lower than a destination party or a weekend getaway. For a local party, bridesmaids are typically expected to pay for their share of the bill, plus the bride's expenses such as dinner, drinks, and other activities.

For a destination bachelorette party, the costs can be more nuanced. The bridesmaids and guests usually pay for their own travel and accommodation costs, but not the bride's. The bride typically covers her airfare and lodging, and may even chip in to help alleviate the financial burden on her guests.

Food and Drink

When it comes to food and drinks, there are a few options. If you are staying in a house or Airbnb, you may choose to split the costs of food and drinks equally, or request that everyone brings their own. When dining out or bar-hopping, everyone is typically expected to cover their own tabs. However, it is common for bridesmaids to treat the bride to a meal or drinks as a token of appreciation and celebration.

Decorations, Favors, and Accessories

Decorations, favors, and accessories are typically the responsibility of the maid of honor and bridesmaids. These costs can vary depending on the group, but it is important to be mindful of the budget and not go overboard. Most of these items can be bought cheaply online, and it is more important to focus on celebrating the bride than having extravagant decorations.

Special Experiences and Group Activities

Any special experiences or group activities, such as a spa day or concert, should always be considered optional in case they do not fit into someone's budget. If the bride wants everyone to participate in a particular activity, she should offer to cover the cost. Similarly, if the guests want to surprise the bride with an activity, they should be prepared to pay for it themselves.

Payment Methods

Figuring out how to split costs can be tricky, but there are some apps that can help make the process easier. Splitwise is an app that allows you to split costs equally, by percentage, or by a specific amount. Venmo is another useful app for sending and receiving money instantly.

Bridesmaid dresses and accessories

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of financial commitments. One of the biggest expenses is the bridesmaid dress and accessories. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding this aspect of being a bridesmaid:

Who Pays for the Bridesmaid Dresses?

Bridesmaids are typically expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories. This includes jewellery, shoes, and any other additional items needed for the wedding day. However, if the bride chooses a very expensive dress, it is considered a thoughtful gesture for her to pay for the dress or a portion of the cost for each bridesmaid. It is important to be mindful of everyone's budget when deciding on attire to avoid placing a financial strain on the bridesmaids.

Choosing the Dresses

The bride usually has a vision for what the bridesmaids will wear, but there are different approaches to choosing the dresses. Some brides may request that all bridesmaids wear the same dress, while others may allow each bridesmaid to choose their own dress within a specific colour palette. This can open the door to more affordable and rewearable options.

Budgeting for the Dresses

The cost of bridesmaid dresses can vary widely, ranging from $100 to upwards of $800. It is essential to consider the financial situation of each bridesmaid and choose dresses that are within an agreed-upon budget. If the dress is still not feasible for a bridesmaid, the bride may need to consider other options, such as a payment plan or selecting a different role for that person within the wedding.

Timing and Saving for the Dresses

It is recommended to start saving for a bridesmaid dress as early as possible, as there may be other expenses leading up to the wedding. The best time to purchase a bridesmaid dress is typically about six months before the wedding, so creating a timeline and budgeting accordingly is crucial.

Hair and Makeup

Hair and makeup for the bridesmaids can be handled in a few ways. If the bride requires professional hair and makeup, it is customary for her to cover the cost as a gift to the bridesmaids. Alternatively, the bridesmaids may be given the option to do their own hair and makeup or pay for professional services themselves.

In conclusion, while the financial responsibilities of being a bridesmaid can be significant, open and transparent communication between the bride and her bridesmaids is key to ensuring everyone is comfortable with the expenses.

Hair and makeup

The bride traditionally pays for hair and makeup services for her bridesmaids, especially if she requires a certain look. This is a nice way to thank the bridal party for their support and can help ensure everyone is happy with the outcome. However, this is not mandatory and can be a significant expense for the bride, so it is becoming more common for bridesmaids to pay for their own hair and makeup, or for the bride and bridesmaids to split the cost.

If the bride is requiring a certain hair and makeup look, she should cover the cost. If she is happy for bridesmaids to choose whether or not to have professional hair and makeup, it is more common for the bridesmaids to pay for their own.

Bridesmaids' hair and makeup can cost around $100, with national rates ranging from $50 to $300 per service. If the bride is requiring professional hair and makeup, she should give her bridesmaids plenty of notice so they can budget accordingly.

If the bride cannot afford to pay for hair and makeup, she can still help her bridesmaids by providing prices from hair and makeup stylists and offering to book services for the bridal party. She can also contribute a set amount towards the cost of hair and makeup as a "beauty credit".

If the bride has a large bridal party, she may opt to cover the cost of hair and makeup for her maid of honour only.

Travel and accommodation

Traditionally, it is the bridesmaids' responsibility to cover their travel and accommodation costs for the wedding. This includes the night of the wedding or the entire wedding weekend. However, this can quickly add up, especially for destination weddings or if the bridesmaids have already spent a lot on a far-flung bachelorette party.

If you are the bride, it is important to be mindful of the financial burden on your bridesmaids, especially if they are also paying for other wedding-related expenses such as the bachelorette party, bridal shower, and their outfits.

• Offer discounted rates or contribute towards their bookings: Check with your designated wedding hotel to see if they offer special rates for the wedding party. You can also contribute a certain percentage towards their bookings if you want to help reduce their costs.
• Provide transportation: If your bridesmaids are travelling a long distance, you can offer to arrange and cover the cost of transportation for them, such as booking buses or arranging Ubers. This can help reduce their travel expenses and ensure everyone arrives together, which is convenient for photos.
• Be flexible with accommodation: If your bridesmaids are paying for their own accommodation, be flexible and allow them to choose a place that fits their budget. You can suggest affordable alternatives or let them know about any discounts or deals you are aware of.
• Communicate early: It is important to communicate your expectations and plans regarding travel and accommodation as early as possible. This gives your bridesmaids time to plan and budget their finances accordingly.
• Discuss options: Have an open and honest conversation with your bridesmaids about their financial situation and what they can afford. Be willing to compromise and offer options, such as suggesting they stay at your house or offering to pay for their transportation.

Remember, while it is customary for bridesmaids to cover their travel and accommodation, it is not a hard-and-fast rule. Each wedding is unique, and you can always discuss and decide what works best for you and your bridesmaids. Being transparent and considerate of their financial situation will help ensure everyone is on the same page and reduce any potential stress or resentment.

Frequently asked questions