Bridesmaids: Not “Maid” of Money

I was researching topics for the blog and came across an article at Daily Infographic that made my jaw drop.  We all know that being a bridesmaid was expensive but I guess I never sat down to try and figure out exactly how expensive it was.  The Daily Infographic estimates that bridesmaids spend around $1,695 just to be in a wedding!  This is especially true if you live out of town and have travel expenses.

Wow!!

I tried to come up with a few ways that you as the bride may be able to help ease the financial obligation.

One way to help with costs is to choose an affordable bridesmaid dress. There are so many ways brides can choose inexpensive dresses.  Some brides are asking their maids to wear a simple little black dress. Many of them will probably already have a dress they can wear in their closet! Or you can go to a site like BridesMaid Trade or Rent the Runway and rent (or buy) gently used dresses!

If your bridesmaids live out of town, only make them travel once other than the wedding.  You can always plan the bachelorette party on a Friday and your wedding shower on Sunday (maybe a day in between to recuperate!;))

Buy your bridesmaids accessories to wear on the wedding day as bridesmaids gifts.  This way they can wear them on the wedding day as well as after the wedding and it helps keeps their costs down!

Ask your bridesmaids in lieu of engagement, shower,and wedding gifts to be a part of your wedding instead.  These multiple gifts can add up and I am sure you would rather your friend be in your wedding than get you a set of china.  I know I would!!

We hope these suggestions have helped!

If you know of more ways brides can help ease the bridesmaid budget, please let us know!

Picture Sources: www.dailyinfographic.com, www.onewed.com, www.bridesmaidtrade.com