From the dresses, to travel, transportation, gifts
and favors, your wedding can really take a tow on your bridesmaids in
terms of cost. Especially when they don't have much to throw around.
It
would be a smart move to step back and see how you can minimise costs
for your bridesmaids and friends who would be part of the team
organising your wedding.
In the end, they would be grateful to you for your thoughtfulness and strengthen your bond of friendship.
Laura Marie Meyers of PopSugar lists a few ways brides can help save costs for their friends and bridesmaids:
1. Pick
a Color, Not a Dress: The bridesmaid dress can be a major expense, and
it's tough to pick one option that fits everyone's financial expectations. A
solution: choose a color — a general "purple" — or multiple shades, as
on a paint swatch, then let each pal find a dress that suits both her style and
her budget. If you're worried that the range of hues won't work together, ask
each friend to send you photos before they buy.
2. Make
the Bachelorette Party an Intimate Affair: When your bridesmaids ask
for your guest list requests, you may be tempted to invite anyone and everyone
to your bachelorette party — but remember that more people means more favors,
more decorations, more knickknacks. The bigger the party, the greater the
expenses, so be considerate of your bridesmaids' budgets and opt for a smaller,
more intimate group of friends.
3. Be
Open Toward Shoe Options: Rather than selecting a specific brand and
design, choose a general type of shoe — a nude wedge, for instance — or, again,
a color. This gives the girls a bit more control as to how much they spend, and
they may even own a pair that matches your request.
4. Choose
Accessories as Your Gift: Steer clear of saying that every girl must
wear a certain type of jewelry. Instead, choose a simple piece as the gift for
your bridesmaids: a bracelet, a necklace, or a simple pair of earrings. Not
only will they appreciate the gesture, but the jewelry will also serve as a fun
reminder of your big day.
5. Choose
a Budget-Friendly Bachelorette Party Location: To keep costs as
low as
possible, skip the jet-setting and stick to a nearby location. Choose a
fun
spot in your city or a nearby destination (road trip!) so that your
friends
aren't forced to pay for airfare on top of everything else. If you do
opt for a
place that requires flying, be sure to make plans early so that the
girls can
find the lowest possible
pricing.
6. Keep
It Short and Sweet: Sure, you want to make the party last as long as
possible, but an extra long weekend can lead to extra high costs. Make it a
one-night affair, or if you do choose to stay somewhere for several nights,
plan to have just one "all-out" night and a couple more casual,
low-key evenings. Try an at-home barbecue, a nostalgic sleepover, or your own
DIY version of a wine tasting to keep the festivities
budget-friendly.
7. Request
Time, Not Gifts: If you're trying to give the girls' wallets a break,
reach out and suggest that they skip the gifts. Instead, coordinate a craft day
where the group can get together to help you with some DIY wedding details:
stuffing invitations, putting together decorations, filling favor bags, etc.
Let your bridesmaids know that their time and support is more valuable than
anything else — and that by helping with the little things, they will make your
big day all the more special (and stress-free). It's a win-win situation: they
save money and you get a bit of extra help!
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