Heads up, this ain’t gonna be cheap.
So you’ve agreed to stand by your friend/sister/cousin/co-worker on their big day. Now what? Well, much like the lucky couple to-be; START SAVING. Even the most low-key wedding ain’t gonna be free for the members of the wedding party. There are so many costs that, if you’ve never been a bridesmaid, you would never even think of.
If it’s not blaringly obvious by the fact that I have been in 7 weddings, I should tell you that I have never planned one my own. But, I’d like to think that planning to be in one is very similar to planning one, be it on a much smaller scale. That being said; however, it’s not a bad idea to start chucking away money right from the start. A few bucks aside each pay check will lighten the load at the end, as the big day will come sooner than you think. Pick an amount to set aside each week for expenses that will start coming your way almost immediately. Unfortunately, I have not always taken this advice myself and I have spent a few weeks after a wedding financially, and physically* recovering.
What expenses, you ask? Shit, I’m probably going to forget some while writing this. There’s the obvious ones: dress, bachelorette, day-of glam, etc., but those all come with their own add-ons. Do you have the right bra or shoes to wear with the dress? There’s another $30-$100. Is the bachelorette a destination or weekend event? There’s flights, hotels, food and drink, the works. Day-of glam can be the priciest part, and don’t forget to get your nails and feet done before the big day. Don’t want to be the only bridesmaid with crusty feet and chipped nail polish.
In some cases, you may even have to contribute for the shower. It’s custom for the mother’s to plan/finance the bridal shower, but every wedding/family/bride is different. Something to keep in mind.
Obviously, the bride is going to set the tone on how lavish or casual all these events are. I mean, get yourself a bride that’s letting you pick your own dress and wants a bachelorette in Colorado to hike and do guided meditations (that’s what’s on deck for the next one I’m in and I am pumped). There is nothing wrong with bowing out of a destination anything, but just know that that will add on a tick on you being ‘that bridesmaid’. She asked you to be in her wedding because she wants you there for all the fun.
And lastly, keep most, if not all, of your opinions to yourself. The maid of honor will take the lead planning (for those of you bestowed with that title, that will be a different entry all together) but also taking her cues from the bride. If you feel you won’t be able to afford any aspect of the wedding, bow out gracefully. Being the bitchy bridesmaid who wants all the plans changed on her account isn’t a cute look for anyone.
*I drink a lot at weddings.
