It’s time to talk budgeting! With #weddingseason seeming to never end (we are at 3/6 for this year and next year is filling up!), I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about a big expense- being in the bridal party!
Being in a bridal party can get veerrryyy pricy. While there are some things you can’t avoid, especially if you have a very particular bride, I have all sorts of tips and tricks on how to budget, where you can save, and how to not go totally overboard!
The bridal shower.
I have a post about how to throw a bridal shower, but this is definitely one of the areas where you can go overboard. That post has more details, but one of my biggest tips is to split costs with fellow bridesmaids! I was so tempted to buy everything I saw, but had to realistically think about what I actually needed. Do you need 17 different balloons, 4 different spots to take photos, a full catered buffet, and a full open bar? No. Think about what your bride wants and plan accordingly!
The bachelorette.
Bachelorette parties can get waaayyy out of budget! One of my biggest tips is to keep it local if you can. It’s also important to figure out what the bride actually wants, whether that’s a wild weekend in Vegas or a low-key spa weekend down the street, and budget from there! If you are going to be traveling, try to use miles when booking flights, split larger costs like hotels or rental properties with other bridesmaids, and try to plan free or low-cost activities. Take advantage of pre-gaming at home or happy hours if you’re heading out for a night on the town!
Alll your outfits.
Bridesmaid dresses can easily creep into the hundreds. If you have a specific budget you need to stick to, let your bride know! Some bridesmaid dress retailers will have sales (I got one on Cyber Monday!), or you can search for specific dresses and styles on sites like Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses.
Alll the extras.
It’s easy to check off the big things- dress, gift, etc. But it’s alllll the little things that add up! All your ‘bride squad’ accessories, jewelry and shoes for the day of, hair and makeup, contributing to showers and events- it can get crazy! Make a list of all required expenses, and then add in those extra items that you might not be expecting! Having everything planned out will save you from surprises down the road.
Talk to your bride.
If you have a particular budget, you’re in multiple weddings, or you’re going to be doing a lot of traveling, set expectations! Your bride will totally understand, and she’ll want you to be a part of her day no matter what! As soon as you commit to being a bridesmaid, take some time to chat with the bride or fellow bridesmaids to get an idea of what is expected of your duties. How many showers do you need to attend (especially if there are multiple or some are out of state!), when and where will the bachelorette be, what will you be expected to contribute to, etc.? Getting an idea of your potential costs will help you budget in advance!
No matter what, being a bridesmaid is a blast! You get to stand by one of your very best friends on her wedding day, so don’t let your money worries get in the way. Taking the time to plan ahead will be worth it!
