Being a bridesmaid is a fun, memorable experience, but it can also be an expensive one. The costs of dresses and accessories, bridal shower and wedding gifts, bachelorette party travel, glam, and other related expenses can add up quickly. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the months leading up to the wedding, especially if it’s a destination wedding out of town.
Excited to be a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding, but not sure how you’re going to afford it?
Here are seven tips on how you can save money without sacrificing any of the fun!
Choose Affordable Bridesmaid Dresses
If the bride gives you the flexibility to select your own bridesmaid dress, choose one that costs less than what you can afford to spend.
Why?
Because in addition to the price of the dress itself, you’ll also likely have to pay for alterations, which can be costly depending on the type of alterations you need.
While many brides select the specific dresses they want their wedding party to wear, some simply give color or fabric direction and allow each bridesmaid to choose her own. If you choose your own look, another budget-friendly tactic is to pick a dress that you can actually wear again. It might not save you money now, but it can save you from having to spend additional money later.
Check out Bella Bridesmaids for an array of gorgeous, versatile dresses that you can wear again to other events.
Borrow Outfits for Pre-Wedding Events
As a bridesmaid, you’ll have lots of pre-wedding events to attend. Rather than buying a brand new outfit for the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner, recycle some looks you already own or ask a friend if you can borrow something of theirs.
The more money you save on pre-wedding outfits, the more you’ll have to put towards your bridesmaid dress, shower gift, travel expenses, and bachelorette celebration!
Buy Shoes and Accessories You Can Wear Again
Be selective when buying wedding day shoes and accessories and buy pieces that you’ll wear again! Unless the bride specifies the type of shoes she wants you to wear, you may even be able to wear a pair you already own, provided that they’re in excellent condition.
DIY Bridal Shower Décor
One of your bridesmaid duties may be to plan and host the bridal shower. Rather than purchasing expensive decorations, consider getting creative and DIYing your own decorations or repurposing objects and décor that you already have. DIYing décor may cost you an investment in time, but it can save you and the other bridesmaids some cash.
Plan a Local Bachelorette Party
The bachelorette party will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable pre-wedding events you’ll attend as a bridesmaid. Typically planned by the maid of honor, the bachelorette party could be the event that busts your bridesmaid budget wide open, especially if it means going out of town.
Unless the bride has her heart set on celebrating her bachelorette in a particular city or island, talk to the other bridesmaids and see how they feel about planning a local bachelorette party that doesn’t require overnight hotel accommodations or extensive travel.
There are amazing bachelorette party destinations from coast to coast, and one of them might be right in your backyard!
DIY Hair and Makeup on the Day Of
Hiring a glam squad can be expensive, but you can save that money if you’re skilled enough to do your own makeup and hair. If you’re not great at it yourself, ask a fellow bridesmaid who is, or consider paying someone to do your hair or your makeup but not both. Remember, it’s also customary to give your glam squad a tip.
Split the Cost of Gifts
When it’s time to buy a bridal shower gift or give a wedding gift, consider chipping in and splitting the cost with other bridesmaids. Depending on the type of gift you want to give, sharing the gift expense is an easy way to keep a few extra bucks in your pocket.
In Conclusion
Bridesmaids have lots of fun duties to do and celebratory activities to enjoy before and on the big day, and you don’t have to rack up thousands of dollars in credit card debt to participate in the festivities.
Be realistic about how much you can afford to spend and set a budget you can stick to. Be selective in all wedding-related items you buy and look for opportunities to save wherever you can. With proper planning and a bit of ingenuity, you can enjoy all the fun parts about being a bridesmaid without having to worry about how you’re going to pay for it all.