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?
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.
1. So instead of buying a bridal party gift, offer to pay for part of their dress!
2. Pick a complementary (earth tones) or neutral (think all black gowns) color palette, and let your bridesmaids reuse their old gowns.
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)!
6. A fun bachelorette dinner that doesn't require travel can cut down on those costs too.
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.
8. If that's out of your budget, consider a gift card to a blowout bar.
9. Or simply skip a required up-do so your bridesmaids have the option to do their own hair.
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.
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!).
11. So why not combine the two events into one mega-fun weekend to save on airfare?
12. And if hotel costs are a problem, have a bridesmaid sleepover the night before in the bridal suite!
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!
