Being asked to be a bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding is incredibly exciting. From the creative way they ask you to the thoughts of how much fun the events leading up to the wedding will be. If you’ve happily agreed to be a part of a wedding party, you’ll need to reserve some funds and a bit of time leading up to the big day.
Navigating finances in any setting can be a challenge and when you don’t technically know who should pay for what, it can only lead to more confusion. Below we’ll dive into some of the most common money related questions all new bridesmaids have. Make sure to read all the way through as there is a bonus checklist for the day of!
What a bridesmaid should expect to pay for:
Bachelorette Party: Bridesmaids are responsible for paying their way on a bachelorette BUT think of it as a vacation with your best girls because really, that’s what It is!
Travel/Lodging: You may or may not be required to pitch in for ceremony/bachelorette/rehearsal transportation and lodging the night before the wedding.
Hair/makeup: Occasionally, brides will offer to pay for one or the other if you’re having them professionally done. However, this is not always the case.
Dress: Another given! Bridesmaids will almost always pay for their own dress!
Shoes: Most brides are more relaxed on this especially if your dress is going to cover your toes. As long as the color blends, you won’t have to purchase a new pair of shoes.
Engagement/Wedding shower gift: This is a given! Just because you agreed to be a bridesmaid doesn’t exclude you from the age-old tradition of giving an engagement/wedding gift!
As an added bonus, we’ve compiled a list of things you should know and/or have prepped the day of the wedding!
- A bridal tool kit: Scissors, thread, Band-Aids, tweezers, etc.… Essentially, all the things you think you won’t need, BRING THOSE!
- Snacks, lots of snacks ladies
- A positive attitude :)
- Variety pack of medicine: Advil & Ant-acids!
- A little bit of cash (just in case you need to run out for something)
- Make sure to be prepared to lend a helping hand to not only the bride but also to the rest of the wedding party
- Some great comfy clothes to get ready in (if not provided by the bride)
- Deodorant! You’re most likely going to be dancing all night…enough said!
- Bobby pins & hair bands – you can never have too many!
Photo Cred: The Teagues -
https://www.theteagues.co
