Being a bridesmaid can be incredibly exciting, but the costs of the bachelorette, gifts, and bridesmaid dresses are astronomical. People often conclude that they cannot have their cake and eat it too.
We asked the experts for advice on navigating the bridesmaid journey and reducing the costs associated with being at a wedding party. This is for all the maids-to-be trying to decide whether to be at their friend’s wedding or have wifi.
Honesty is the best policy
It’s an honor to be asked to be a Bridesmaid, and it should be fun. If you are worried that you cannot afford the additional expense, it is best to be upfront about your budget. You can let the bride know you want to be a part of her tribe but are on a tight budget. This means you cannot afford to buy a designer dress for a bridesmaid or to fly to an international bachelorette party. Also, you’ll want to let the MOH and other bridesmaids know so they know (and hopefully respect) your budget when making plans. It’s best to set limits and communicate openly from the beginning. Jenna Miller is the Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide
Early Birds get EVERYTHING
Early booking and purchase of everything is recommended. When you plan, you can save money on everything from hotel rooms to plane tickets and dresses to wedding dresses. You can avoid rush fees, express delivery, and many other things when planning ahead. – Pia Gladys Perey, Founder & Creative Director, Pia Gladys Perey
The dream can only be realized with teamwork
Team up; we’re sure the other bridesmaids won’t want their budgets ruined, either. Share one group gift on the registry. Split the cost of an Airbnb to host the bachelorette party. You can also do your wedding day hair and makeup together instead of spending money at a salon. You can save money by working with other bride tribe members. Jenna Miller is the Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide
Some beauty teams will offer discounts on hair and makeup if you book them together rather than booking separately. Book a group makeup and hair session with other brides in the group chat! – Veiled Vanity Artistry
Budget-friendly Ball
It’s an honor to be a bridesmaid, but it is also a costly affair! The expenses can quickly mount between the travel to the wedding, the bachelorette and bridal shower, the gifts, the hair and makeup, and so on. The average bridesmaid cost is $1400… the average American woman becomes a bridesmaid three times before she turns 27. That’s $4200! The easiest way to cut costs is by saving money on your bridesmaid dresses. Birdy Grey offers a wide range of bridesmaid gowns under $100 in various styles and colors that flatter all body types. There’s something for everyone. Birdy Grey bridesmaid’s dresses are available in stock and ready to be shipped immediately. – Grace Lee, Founder & CEO, Birdy Grey
Call your BFF
It is not necessary to buy everything brand new. You can rent or borrow jewelry, clutches, and shoes. Do not be afraid to ask a friend who has been through the bridesmaid process a few times. You can borrow from them if they have a lot of stock. – Pia Gladys Perey, Founder & Creative Director, Pia Gladys Perey
Everyone wins
We have artists with different levels of expertise on our team. Ask the group if they have a Junior Stylist or Artist trained and supervised by a Senior Artist. This way, you can still get the style and technique you love while the employee builds their portfolio and expertise. – Veiled Vanity Artistry
Be Inspired PR, a PR + Social Media Agency, created this post that serves wedding, wellness, and lifestyle clients. We’re ready to help our clients reach the next level with over 10+ years of experience! You can find a lot of inspiration for your wedding on our Pinterest and Instagram.
