Let’s face it: Wedding preparation is pricey—even if you aren't the one planning to walk down the aisle. Between engagement gifts, lavish bachelorette parties, and head-to-toe bridal party outfits (not to mention alterations!), weddings are not designed for the penny-pinchers at heart—especially if you’re dealing with a more high-maintenance bride.
"It's a Fritz-Bernaise, ladies."
New to bridesmaid territory? Even though your new full-time job comes with a laundry list of responsibilities, it shouldn’t have to come with a jaw-dropping price tag. Lighten up on the bill—without sacrificing on the thought behind it—with these money-saving tips:
1. Communicate financial concerns to your fellow bridesmaids well in advance. Sure, talking money can be a downright uncomfortable experience (for all parties involved), but it’s important that you’re up front about managing a tight budget from the get-go. Think of it like ripping off a Band-Aid: Get the conversation over and done with so you can rest easy.
2. Map out sales, and hit them hard. 99.9 percent of the time, bridesmaid's dresses look tacky. So why shell out for a dress you’ll never wear again? Scour the Internet (and Twitter!) for sample sales in your area—you’ll be amazed by how frequently they crop up. Just be sure to talk to your bride first about what kind of dress she wants you to wear.
3. Skip the professional hair and makeup. As with dresses, many bridesmaids end up unsatisfied with their hair and makeup on the big day. One way to avoid that? Skip all the fuss and primp on your own. If you’re looking to switch things up for the occasion, try a new eyeshadow palette or ask a friend to help curl (or straighten) your hair.
4. Remember, it's the thought that counts, not the cost.If you can’t afford your bride’s registry, show how much you care with a thoughtful gift. Sites like Etsy are perfect for scoring handmade items at the right price point. Think unique art, one-of-a-kind photography for their new home, or trinkets for decorating. You can never go wrong with something from the heart!
Are you going to be a bridesmaid this year? How do you plan on saving on expenses?