THE BRIDESMAID’S BUDGET – How To Be A Budget Savvy Bridesmaid
With all the expenses the bridesmaids will have to incur it is easy for even the budget savvy bridesmaids to overspend.
The budget savvy bridesmaids supports her good friend’s decisions while at the same time looks for ways to cut costs.
The Bridesmaid’s Dress $100 – $500.
The bridesmaids dress is the big ticket item on your list. Hopefully the Bride will choose something reasonably priced that you will wear again. If possible choose separates, each piece can be mixed and matched to extend the life of the item. If you are one of the lucky ones and the bride is allowing you to choose your own dress, then let the bargain hunting begin! Look on sale racks, clearance stores, and discount malls for end of the season dresses. With New years starting off the clearance sales, and them prom wedding, and homecoming in the fall there should be no shortage of inexpensive dresses for you to choose from. Check the closets of friends and family for dresses that may be suitable.
Shop for bridesmaid’s dresses online
Lingerie up to $150.
Lingerie is a good place to save some money, and no one will see it anyway. If you need a strapless bra but not the added lift, look into wearing a stick on bra. You will not benefit from any support but they are much cheaper.
Forgo expensive stockings and purchase the less expensive brand, no will know, they will be too dazzled by your dress.
Shoes $50 – $200.
Hopefully all the bride will ask is that your shoes are a certain color and leave the style up to you. Many discount shoe stores offer dressy styles in a variety of colors. If the bride want you to wear dyed to match shoes, then look in department store or online where they are much cheaper. Previously dyed shoes can be re dyed as long as it is a darker color.
Hair and Makeup $50 – $150.
If your bride insists that you have your makeup and hair done at her salon, then it is not unreasonable to ask her to help with the costs.
A fun way for the girls to get together before the wedding is to plan a spa day. Gather at someone’s home and do your own manicure and pedicure. Buying top of the line products that you can all share will same lots of money for other things.
Jewelry and Accessories $50 – $200.
If the Bride doesn’t specify which jewelry she would like you to wear, have something simple like pearls on stand by. Jewelry for the bridesmaids is a very practical gift that many brides opt for, be patient the bride may be waiting to surprise you.
Rather than go out and purchase new expensive jewelry, look through accessory boutiques for cheap knock-offs.
Travel and Accommodation $200 _ up
Defiantly the most expensive part of your budget if you have to travel to the wedding. In addition to the airfare, you will also be responsible for your transportation to and from the airport. Make your reservation as early as possible to get the best rates. Double up on a hotel room with one of the other bridesmaids or guests and share. This goes for renting a car as well.
Gifts For the Wedding _ Shower $50 and up
Choosing a wedding gift for the couple is entirely up to you, and don’t feel that you need to spend a lot of money on a wedding gift, choose something from the registry or better yet something you have made. It is perfectly to contribute to a group gift.
Shower Gifts
In addition to helping the Maid of honor host the bridal shower , you will also be expected to give a gift at each shower you attend, this should be a small token gift that fits in your budget. Salt and pepper shakers, fancy towels, measuring cups are all appreciated and very inexpensive.
Bachelorette Party $20 – $200 – including a gift
And last but not least, the bachelorette party. Because the cost of the bachelorette party is split equally amongst the bridesmaids and Maid of Honor, your contribution will not be too excessive.
In many areas the idea of buying a gift for the bachelorette party is not a common one, otherwise have all the guests contribute for one gift to help keep costs down.
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