Wedding Wednesday: Be a bridesmaid on a budget.
Imagine it: Your best friend announces she’s getting married. After the initial round of oohhing, ahhing and tears of joy, she asks you to be a bridesmaid. Of course you accept! She is your best friend, after all. But then the realization sets in. There are a lot of hidden costs to being a part of the wedding party and some of us just don’t have the discretionary income necessary. Today’s bridesmaids face an average of $3000 in costs, especially if it’s a destination wedding. Here are some ideas for both brides and ‘maids-to-be to help everyone relax and be part of this special day.
Photo via elizabethannedesigns.com
Brides, we hate to say it, but it’s up to you to be somewhat sensitive of the situation. Jetting off to Hawaii for your dream wedding, though an amazing idea, may not be feasible to everyone in this economy, just as picking out $500 dresses in aquamarine adds to the “god-it-was-so-expensive, but-I-can-only-wear-it- once” stigma that surrounds the bridesmaid dress.
Photo via Events by Heather Ham
One incredibly cute and budget-friendly trend that many brides have started to implement has been choosing the color and then letting the bridesmaids pick a dress in a style that flatters them. Benefits to this include: bridesmaids know what they can afford to spend on a dress, your friend’s individuality comes through, the entire wedding party is glowing because they feel beautiful in a style that’s comfortable to them and of course, your wedding is totally unique and a perfect combination of your friend’s love and support for you.
Photo via Wedding Dresses Advisor Blog
Bridesmaids, you must also consider these factors when thinking about accepting;
- Can I afford the dress?
- Can I afford the throw the bachelorette party/wedding shower, if she asks me to be the Maid of Honor?
- Is it going to be a destination event? Which means including time off work, airfare, hotel and rental car fees into the equation.
Don’t be afraid to have a heart to heart with the bride. Honesty is key and she’ll appreciate your forthrightness rather than agreeing to be in the wedding party and then pulling out at the last minute.
Photo via abeautifulmess
If the costs are still too much, ask if there is another way you can contribute. Have a crafty side? Offer to make centerpieces or offer up your services for any other tasks that she made need done. She’ll appreciate the sentiment (and the help) and you’ll still get to be part of her special day. Conversely, brides, if you know your struggling creative professional friend doesn’t have the dough, tap their natural talents. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to save on the wedding photography or floral arrangements!
Are you on board with the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend or do you have any bridesmaid horror stories? Share them in the comments below!
