People who are your bridesmaids already do a lot for you, so it can be awkward when you ask them to pay for certain things. It’s important to be clear about expectations, finances, and willingness to compromise while planning a bridal shower or a wedding or a vacation with your friends before the big day.
Finances between friends may be hard, and nowhere is this more evident than on your wedding day. What should bridesmaids cover, and what should the bride cover? Continue reading to find out.
What Costs Are Bridesmaids Expected to Cover?
Bridesmaid Dresses
Being a bridesmaid comes with a price, and the first cost is the bridesmaid dress. However, if the bride requires specific dresses like dusty blue bridesmaid dresses and accessories, they should cover the expenses. If your maids are on a budget or care about the environment, renting services or mixing and matching trends are great options.
The Bridal Shower
The hosts cover the expense of the shower. If a family member is willing to take on the role of hostess, the bridesmaids must offer to chip in, either financially or with their time and effort, to help cover the expenses. Bringing a tiny hostess gift can also be a lovely way to express gratitude. Any expenses incurred by the bridal party as hosts should be divided equally.
Bachelorette Party
Here, things get a little more complicated. It’s a good idea to divide any pre-purchased items (such as champagne or a ribbon) evenly among the wedding party for one night out. The attendees should then divide the evening’s expenses, including food, beverages, entertainment, and transportation, among themselves. For a bachelorette party, the bride is not expected to pay for anything.
Makeup and hair
This wedding-day expense has some leeway. If the bride wants her wedding party to have their makeup and hair done, she should pay for the hair and makeup artists (including tips). Prices will vary depending on the services that each maid desires or requires: Makeup is less expensive without fake lashes, and basic haircuts are less expensive than updos. If having hair and cosmetics done is optional, bridesmaids should cover the cost of any services they want.
Hotel Rooms and Wedding Travel
Aside from a family vacation house or weekend rental, the maids should pay for their accommodation unless the bride is providing it for them. The sole exception to this rule is if the bride has a pre-wedding sleepover planned with her girls. The fees are normally covered by the person renting the bridal suite in this situation. The bridesmaids are responsible for their travel arrangements to and from the wedding venue.
Bridal Shower Presents
Attending the bridal shower necessitates a gift that it’s simply an appreciation token. Many bridesmaids choose to pool their resources and purchase a single present for the bride. Unlike wedding gifts, bridal shower gifts are smaller and cheaper. Ask the shower host for advice, or let the bridal shower theme guide you if you’re unsure what to get.
Wedding Presents
Yes, bridesmaids must still purchase wedding gifts. Bridal party members with a limited budget can pool their resources to buy a more lavish gift for the bride and groom. Consider your total present budget, then devote more than half of the funds to the wedding gift and the remainder to the bridal shower gift.
The expenses that the bride is expected to bear
Flowers
The cost of the bridesmaids’ bouquets and corsages is within the floral budget. The bride is expected to cater to these costs. Based on the size of your group and the type of flowers you select, this might quickly escalate in cost. Consider smaller bouquets of lush greenery and in-season flowers to save money. Alternatively, have your bridesmaids carry something less traditional, such as a candle or lantern, to light the way.
Transport to the Wedding Venue
The newlyweds should cover the cost of transportation from the hotels to the wedding site. However, guests and bridesmaids are responsible for their transportation to and from the hotel. With multiple stops (such as a hotel, ceremony site, reception venue, and back to the hotel), the bride is responsible for all fees and arrangements.
Bridesmaids’ Gifts
Bridesmaids’ gifts are not essential, but they are a lovely way to express gratitude. Being a bridesmaid is a significant time commitment. So, it’s always wonderful to express gratitude for their support. Make sure you give your bridesmaids unique or heartfelt gifts that they will keep for a long time.
Once you’ve decided how to split these costs, you must discuss this with the bridal party so that everyone is on the same page. If your bridal party has a clear idea of their responsibilities, they will plan and budget accordingly. To avoid any misunderstandings, we recommend bringing up the subject of cost-sharing early on in the planning process.