Buzz·Posted on Mar 11, 201512 Ways To Keep Your Bridesmaids From Going BrokeBecause it costs an average of $1,700 to be a bridesmaid, and that is insane.by Erin La RosaBuzzFeed StaffLinkFacebookPinterestTwitterMail Admit it: You can think of who your bridesmaids would be, whether or not you're getting married. But did you know that the average bridesmaid spends a whopping $1,700 total to be part of a wedding? Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF And since these bridesmaids are dedicating so much time to your special day, wouldn't it be great to make the whole thing more affordable? Here are some ways to make your bridesmaids (and their wallets) happy: The typical bridesmaid dress is $200, plus $30-$40 for alterations. View this photo on Instagram 1. So instead of buying a bridal party gift, offer to pay for part of their dress! View this photo on Instagram 2. Pick a complementary (earth tones) or neutral (think all black gowns) color palette, and let your bridesmaids reuse their old gowns. View this photo on Instagram 3. And you can lower the cost significantly by going for a bridesmaid dress rental service. 4. And nix the matching dyed shoes — no one cares! Let your bridesmaids pick their own kicks. The tradition of bachelorette parties only started in the 1960s, and on average costs $400 per bridesmaid... 5. So skip the extravagant bachelorette party, and opt for a retro sleepover instead (drinks and junk food required)! View this photo on Instagram 6. A fun bachelorette dinner that doesn't require travel can cut down on those costs too. View this photo on Instagram A bridesmaid can expect to pay $100-$180 for hair and makeup on the big day. 7. So as a bridesmaid gift, offer to pay for their day of primping. View this photo on Instagram 8. If that's out of your budget, consider a gift card to a blowout bar. View this photo on Instagram 9. Or simply skip a required up-do so your bridesmaids have the option to do their own hair. View this photo on Instagram The total cost each bridesmaid spends on an engagement, shower, and wedding gift is $200. 10. So tell your bridesmaids they only have to get you one gift, or ask them to chip in on a bigger gift together. View this photo on Instagram Travel to and from the bachelorette and bridal shower rounds out to $600 on average (and that's not including traveling to the wedding itself!). Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 11. So why not combine the two events into one mega-fun weekend to save on airfare? View this photo on Instagram 12. And if hotel costs are a problem, have a bridesmaid sleepover the night before in the bridal suite! View this photo on Instagram Because as much as your bridesmaids love you now, imagine how much they'll love you when they don't have to go broke to be in your wedding! Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF