How to Cut Costs for Your Bridesmaids

It might be an honor, but being a bridesmaid can be expensive!

Asking your close friends or family members to be a bridesmaid may be bestowing an honor on them, but there is no denying that being part of a wedding party can be expensive.

By Emily Lasnier

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Photo: Vue Photography

Asking your close friends or family members to be a bridesmaid may be bestowing an honor on them, but there is no denying that being part of a wedding party can be expensive. If you enjoy the finer things in life, it’s important to remember that it’s not accessible to everyone. As much as you may want a specific vision for your big day, we assume you don’t want to incur a financial burden on the closest women in your life. The easiest way to cut costs for your bridesmaids is of course to simply pay for everything yourself, especially when it comes to the dress; however, that's not always possible. This does get trickier when it comes to events such as the bridal shower or bachelorette party, as you really should not be hosting these fêtes for yourself. If covering the payments isn’t possible, here are some other ways to lower the cost of being a bridesmaid in your wedding:

how to cut costs for your bridesmaids, how to make being a bridesmaid affordable

Photo by Vitor Lindo Photo + Video; Planning & Design by Kelli Corn Weddings and Events; Bridal Salon: Mark Ingram Atelier

- Let them pick their own dress. You can still choose a specific color, but this allows your ‘maids to search for the best bargain, or even find something in their own closet! Consider allowing them all to wear a little black dress for the easiest and most affordable option.

- Have a local bachelorette party. You may not be involved with all the planning, but if you keep the festivities in the same city where all, or at least the majority, of you live for one big day rather than a faraway destination weekend, that saves money on both travel cost and accommodations.

- Be considerate with lodging. For bridesmaids who aren’t local, make sure you’re not requiring everyone to get an expensive hotel room. Find an affordable place for them to stay, or encourage people to rent a house together on AirBnb or another short-term vacation rental site. 

- Don’t require professional hair and makeup. You should offer to pay if you want a certain look, otherwise trust your gals to know how to make themselves look good.

- Specify that you don’t need gifts. Sure, they might not listen, but if it’s really clear that their participation in your big day is the only thing you need, there is at least less pressure on choosing an expensive gift. 

For more advice, discover 10 steps for the perfect summer wedding and find out how to decide on a dress code for your big day.

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