Franklin Dean
Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. Bridesmaids are usually expected to pay for their outfits, travel and accommodation, as well as contributing to the cost of the hen party and bridal shower. However, the couple may choose to cover some of these costs, and it's important to be honest about what you can afford. In the UK, the wedding party is often happy to cover their own overnight accommodation costs, and to plan the hen and stag dos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bridesmaid Dresses | Usually paid for by the bridesmaids themselves, although some couples may contribute or cover the cost. |
| Bridesmaid Shoes and Accessories | Paid for by the bridesmaids. |
| Hair and Makeup | Paid for by the couple if mandatory, otherwise optional and paid for by the bridesmaids. |
| Travel and Accommodations | Paid for by the bridesmaids, although the couple may contribute. |
| Bachelorette Party | Paid for by the bridesmaids, although the couple may contribute. |
| Bridal Shower | Paid for by the bridesmaids, although the couple or other parties may contribute. |
| Wedding Gifts | Paid for by the bridesmaids, although not obligatory. |
Travel and accommodation
Bridesmaids are also usually responsible for their own travel and accommodation for the wedding night or weekend. This can quickly add up, especially if the wedding is a destination wedding or if there are multiple wedding-related events in different locations.
Couples should be mindful of the total cost of travel and accommodation for their bridesmaids, especially if they are also expected to travel for a bachelorette party. It is important to communicate these expectations to the bridal party in advance to ensure they are comfortable with the costs.
If the bride is able to, it is a thoughtful gesture for her to subsidise or cover some of these travel and accommodation costs for her bridesmaids. This is especially true if the bride has chosen a specific dress or outfit that is expensive or if there are multiple wedding events in different locations.
Ultimately, the decision on who pays for travel and accommodation depends on the couple, the bridesmaids, and their respective finances. Open and honest communication about expectations and budgets is key to ensuring everyone is comfortable with the costs involved.
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Wedding day outfits
The wedding day is the main event, and there are a few different outfits you might need to consider as a bridesmaid.
First, the bridesmaid dress. This is typically chosen by the couple, who usually also cover the cost. However, if you are given free rein to choose your own dress, you may have to pay for it yourself. The same goes for accessories—if the couple requests specific jewellery, bags, or jackets, they may be expected to cover the cost. If not, it's likely that the cost will fall to you.
You may also want to consider getting ready outfits for you and your fellow bridesmaids. These could be robes, slip dresses, pyjamas, or loungewear. If the bride requests specific matching outfits, they should be expected to pay. If not, you and your fellow bridesmaids can choose your own.
Finally, don't forget about shoes! Brides are usually flexible about footwear, so you may be able to wear something you already own. If the couple requests specific shoes, they may be expected to cover the cost. If not, it's likely that the cost will fall to you.
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Hair and makeup
There are differing opinions on whether the bride or the bridesmaids should pay for hair and makeup. Ultimately, it depends on the couple, the bridesmaids, and everyone's finances.
In a poll by Hitched, 73% of respondents felt that the couple should pay for the bridesmaids' hair and makeup, especially if the couple is requiring a certain style. If the couple is requiring the bridal party to get professional hair and makeup, it is customary for the couple to pay. If the couple is unable to pay for the hair and makeup, they can make it optional for the bridal party to pay for a professional hair and makeup artist.
If the bride wants her bridesmaids to have a certain hairstyle, it is only fair that she covers the cost. Additionally, if the bride chooses to have the bridal party's hair and makeup done by professionals, she should also cover the cost as a "thank you" for their help.
Some bridesmaids are happy to pay for their hair and makeup, especially if they are close friends or sisters of the bride. However, if the bride has chosen for them to have a professional hairstylist and/or makeup artist, some bridesmaids may feel that they shouldn't have to pay.
In general, it is considered a nice gesture for the bride to pay for the bridal party's hair and makeup, especially if she wants them to have a certain look. It is also a way to thank them for their help and support on the wedding day.
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Gifts
It is fairly customary for bridesmaids to purchase a wedding gift for the couple. However, it is important to ensure that they know there is no pressure to do so, especially if they have already spent a lot of money on the wedding. If they do want to give a gift, it is a good idea to suggest that they club together with the other bridesmaids to purchase a group gift. Alternatively, they could save up and splurge on one nice gift for the entire wedding experience.
Other Costs
There are several other costs that bridesmaids may have to cover. These include their day-of ensemble, hair and makeup, decorations, lodging, travel, and any surprises. Bridesmaids are also usually expected to pay for their own bridesmaid dress, which can cost anywhere from $100 to upwards of $800. It is important to be considerate of everyone's budget when choosing bridesmaid dresses and to give a clear indication of the expected costs upfront.
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Bachelorette party
Planning a bachelorette party is one of the most fun parts of being a bridesmaid, but it can be a complicated and expensive process. Here's a breakdown of the costs bridesmaids can expect to cover, as well as some tips for keeping costs down.
Travel and Accommodations
If the bachelorette party is in the same location as where the bridesmaids live, then travel and accommodation costs are usually not a concern. However, if it's a destination bachelorette party, each bridesmaid is typically expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs. It's important to give guests plenty of advance notice so they can save up and book their travel. Hacks like Airbnb and carpooling can help reduce costs, but if the price tag is still too high, guests always have the option to bow out.
Meals
Bridesmaids are usually expected to cover the cost of meals for the bride during the bachelorette party. To keep costs down, opt for casual restaurants, takeout, or a night in. For drinks, people should generally be expected to pay for their own, though it's a nice gesture for the bride to pick up the tab for one meal as a thank-you.
Decor
The cost of decorations usually falls on the maid of honour and the rest of the party guests. This might include items like balloons, streamers, and table props. These items can be bought cheaply online, and it's important not to go overboard with spending on decorations.
Gifts and Souvenirs
Gifts and souvenirs are usually paid for by the bride, the maid of honour, or the bridesmaids. These don't need to be expensive—just a fun memento of the occasion. Personalised wine glasses, matching t-shirts, or tote bags are all great options.
Special Experiences
If there's a special experience or excursion the bride wants to do during the bachelorette party, she should cover the cost for everyone. If it's an experience the guests want to surprise the bride with, then they should cover the cost. If the experience is something the bride would like to do but doesn't want to pay for everyone, it should be made optional or switched out for a cheaper activity.
Safety Measures
As a courtesy to her guests, the bride should cover the cost of safety measures like chartered rides to ensure everyone gets to and from parties safely.
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Frequently asked questions
Bridesmaids usually pay for their day-of ensemble, travel and accommodation, the hen party, and the bridal shower.
Yes, bridesmaids usually pay for their own outfits, including dresses, tuxedos, suits, and shoes. However, if the bride is very specific about what she wants them to wear, she might be expected to contribute.
If hair and makeup are optional, the bridesmaids usually pay for it themselves. If it's a requirement, the bride typically covers the cost as a gift.
Yes, bridesmaids usually cover the cost of the hen party. This includes their own costs, as well as chipping in for the bride-to-be's expenses.
The bridal shower is often hosted and paid for by the maid of honour or the mother of the bride. However, if the bridesmaids are hosting, they will typically pay for it.
