6 Ways Bridesmaids Can Save Hundreds

Here’s the good news: Being a bridesmaid is a fun, emotional, and completely special experience. I mean, getting to stand at the altar next to your besties is one of those moments you’ll remember forever! Now, the bad news: This all comes at a cost. The average bridesmaid will spend over $1,200 on a wedding, which includes buying a bridesmaid dress, accessories, hair and makeup sessions, travel, and much more (yes, there’s still that wedding gift!).

With this in mind, of course you want to find ways to cut costs. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save on all of the expenses that come with being a bridesmaid. With the help of industry experts, we broke down a few methods below, that can help whether you’re the bride OR bridesmaid making the financial decisions.

For the bridesmaid:

Be honest with the bride (and the other bridesmaids!)

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is an honor — and it should be fun! But if you’re worried you won’t be able to swing the extra expense, the best thing you can do is be honest about your budget up front. Let the bride know that while you’d love to be part of her tribe, you’re on a budget and can’t afford anything extravagant like a designer bridesmaid dress or plane ticket to an overseas bachelorette bash. You’ll also want to give the MOH or other bridesmaids a quick heads up, so they’re aware (and hopefully respectful) of your bottom line when making plans. Setting limits early on and having open communication is the best way to navigate this tricky topic from the jump!

— Jenna Miller, Creative Director, Here Comes the Guide

SEE MORE: Here’s How to Nail Your Maid of Honor Speech (Examples Included!)

For the bride:

Cut costs where you can

That off-the-rack bridesmaid dress might cost less, but alterations—which can often start at $70 for a simple hemline—can really add up! When you book a Bustle & Veil party (where our stylists bring our exclusive bridesmaid collection to YOU) your bridesmaids’ measurements are taken and their dresses are then Made to Order. This ends up saving a lot of money in the end.

-Lindsay Jones, Co-founder & President, Bustle & Veil

For the bridesmaid:

Be an early bird

Book and buy everything early. From hotel rooms, plane tickets to dresses, a lot of money can be saved, and a lot of stress can be avoided, when things are done and planned for ahead of time. In ordering dresses, rush fees, express shipping, and a whole lot of things can be avoided when things are planned ahead of time.

— Pia Gladys Perey, Founder & Creative Director, Pia Gladys Perey

SEE MORE: Couples Say These Are the Wedding Expenses They Regret The Most

Go Dutch

We’re willing to bet the other bridesmaids don’t want to break their bank accounts either, so team up! Go in on one nice group gift from the registry; split the cost of an Airbnb for the bachelorette bash; and do each other’s wedding-day hair and makeup instead of splurging at a fancy salon! The more you can work with the other members of the bride tribe, the more money you can potentially save.

— Jenna Miller

For the bride:

Pick styles your friends will WANT to wear again

Like most women, I’ve been a bridesmaid in more weddings than I can remember. And most of the dresses I wore ended up at a Goodwill! I started Bustle & Veil because I had talked to so many bridesmaids who were in the same situation, and I wanted to design dresses and separates that could be worn again and again. Pick a style that your friends will actually wear that won’t end up in the back of their closet!

-Lindsay Jones

For the bridesmaid:

Phone a friend

Not everything has to be brand new. Jewelry, accessories, clutches, and shoes can be rented or even loaned! Don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend who has gone through the whole bridesmaid process once or twice before. Chances are, they have plenty in stock for you to borrow.

— Pia Gladys Perey