Being a bridesmaid can put a serious dent in your wallet if you’re not careful. As you begin adding up the big-ticket items such as bridesmaid dress, bridal shower, bachelorette party weekend, and everything else, it all adds up. Fast.
However, there are savvy strategies the budget conscious bridesmaid can use to stretch her budget further, without sacrificing an ounce of style.
Here are some creative out-of-the-box ways to nail your bridesmaid role without completely blowing your budget.
Establish Your Budget Beforehand
Be proactive and create a budget as soon as you can.
Most bridesmaids have months before they’re expected to purchase their bridesmaids’ dresses or foot the bill for the bachelorette party. Set aside extra money ASAP to help pay for the bridesmaid-related expenses.
Do Your Own Hair and Makeup
If you’re not that confident in the hair and makeup department, there are tons—TONS—of tutorials on YouTube.
The key here is to begin experimenting and practice different looks early. That will give you ample opportunity to find something you absolutely love and practice nailing the look.
Alternatively, if there’s another bridesmaid who’s highly skilled in the hair and makeup department, see if she’ll help.
It’s amazing what a pair of fake eyelashes and a bright-colored lipstick can do.
Explore Bridesmaid Dress Options
Bridesmaid dress selection can be tricky because ultimately, the choice of dress is up to the bride.
Some brides let their bridesmaids choose the style or color of the dress, while others would prefer to have a more cohesive look.
Bella Bridesmaid is an excellent go-to for bridesmaid dresses—their selection is next to none, and their collection includes dresses at all different price points.
If the bride is open to letting you choose the dress, you can always thrift or check out sites selling second-hand dresses. You can filter your preferences based on any specifications outlined by the bride.
Another option is to rent a bridesmaid dress instead of purchasing one.
Accessorize with What You Have
It can be tempting to go out and splurge on a hot new pair of heels or that statement cocktail ring you’ve been eyeing—the one that will go beautifully with your dress.
As alluring as that may be, do your best to use what you already have, or borrow something from your bestie.
Depending on the theme of the wedding, some brides like to DIY the bridesmaid accessories. Getting together the day before the wedding to weave together flower crowns, for example, is a beautiful and affordable way to elevate a wedding day look.
Carpool to Big Events
If the bachelorette party is out of town, see if you can arrange to carpool with the other bridesmaids. This is an excellent way to save on fuel, as you can all chip in on it together.
Choose an Airbnb instead of Hotel
When staying overnight, renting one Airbnb is usually much cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms. Plus, they typically come with full kitchens which means you can save money by staying in and cooking (ok, getting a few frozen pizzas and popping them in the oven, no shame) and sipping red wine. Then brewing up a big fresh pot of coffee in the morning, instead of going out or having to make do with the watered-down hotel coffee.
Have a Chill Wellness Weekend
Another great way to save on the bachelorette party is to do a wellness type sleepover, complete with face masks and other relaxation activities.
Schedule an early morning yoga class, then gather back at the Airbnb to enjoy waffles, fruit and mimosas.
Book a masseuse who comes to the house—it will still probably be cheaper than a day at the spa. You can make your own cocktails and finger foods, and enjoy time together, laughing and connecting.
This is a wonderful alternative to the raunchy Vegas-style bachelorette parties that rage all night—though you can always toss in a few cheeky elements, just for fun.
And bonus, you’ll leave looking and feeling rested and refreshed.
Pool Your Resources to Get the Couple a Gift
Going in on a gift for the couple with the other bridesmaids is a great way to get them something significant, without bearing the financial burden yourself.
Maybe the maid of honor has an idea of something the couple might like, or you can choose from the registry.
Conclusion:
Being a bridesmaid is all about being there for the bride and supporting her on the journey to married life. It is not about stretching yourself so thin financially that you go into debt.
By setting a budget and following these tips, you won’t have to worry about how to look fab and pay the bills at the same time—you’ll get to enjoy both.