40 / 132
F A S H I O N , J E W E L R Y , A C C E S S O R I E S F O R M E N & W O M E N
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M
38
5 Ways to Save Your Bridesmaids Money
It’s not cheap to be a wedding attendant. Here are
tips for staying mindful of your ladies’ expenses
By Darci Swisher, CTW Features
The happy couple isn’t the only one
plunking down big money on their wed-
ding. Between the dress, shoes, jewelry,
professional makeup application and
hair styling, engagement party, bridal
showers and bachelorette party, gifts,
and travel and accommodations for the
big day, being a bridesmaid can carry a
hefty price tag, too.
According to one study, the cost for the
honor of standing up as a bridesmaid is
nearly $1,700. Still, well-meaning brides
can help make their bridesmaids cut
costs.
1}
Let ’maids Pick Their Dress …
Brides should say no to traditional brides-
maid dresses. The trend of choosing a
color and then setting bridesmaids loose
to find their dress of choice that hue can
help them save big. Not only are they in
control of the style, they can also pick the
price point and find discounts. And they
might even wear the dress again.
2}
… and Their Shoes
No one really wants to buy a pair of
shoes they’re going to only wear one day,
which dyed-to-match shoes always are.
Instead, brides should consider picking
a neutral or metallic shade, and let their
bridesmaids pick their own style of shoe
or even wear a pair they already in their
closet.
3}
Thank Bridesmaids Practically
Sweet sentiments are nice, but brides-
maids will likely appreciate a thank
you that lessens their financial burden.
Pick up bridesmaids’ beauty costs for
the wedding day or hotel rooms for the
wedding night.
4}
Think About Skipping the
Bachelorette Party
Bachelorette parties and weekends
away are a huge expense, especially
when bridesmaids are spread across the
country. Have a small gathering for just
bridesmaids the day before the wedding,
since the wedding party will already be
gathered.
5}
Don’t Expect Your Ladies
to Be Minions
While a wedding is central to a bride’s
life during the month’s leading up to
the big event, she needs to remember
bridesmaids have their own lives to lead.
Don’t expect bridesmaids attend every
shower, party or dress fitting. Let them
off the hook whenever you can. In the
same vein, don’t expect bridesmaids to
give gifts at every wedding-related event
they attend either.
© CTW Features