Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

It starts with a question that leads to a ring, which ends up as a picture on Instagram, and is shared on Facebook. Yep, he asked and she said yes! Weeks later, you find a charming note in your mailbox asking you to stand beside her on the most important day of her life. You, my dear, are a chosen one… also known as a bridesmaid.
Since 2010, I have been in seven weddings and I witnessed fifteen of my girlfriends walk down the aisle toward wedded bliss. I have taken off work and flown clear across the country in support of LOVE, but the support LOVE can come at a hefty price tag.

She Said Yes, But Should You?

It is truly an honor to be asked to be in someone’s wedding, but before you say “yes”, you need to understand what you are getting yourself into before you make that commitment. Just like in a romantic relationship, money can throw a major wretch into your friendship if you are not honest with yourself and the bride about your financial situation. As a bridesmaid, I have paid for gowns, shoes, hair, mani/pedi, makeup packages, jewelry, liquor, plane tickets, hotels, car service, engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and décor elements for the actual wedding. I didn’t even mention the wedding gift…eek! Once you accept the invitation to become a member of the bridal party, you are in for richer or poorer.
Back in 2011, the Wedding Channel estimated the cost of being a bridesmaid averages around $1695.  This was based off a survey of more than 20,000 brides in 2010.  Imagine was the average is now.   It always makes me wonder how Katherine Heigl could afford to be in 27 weddings, plus her own, on a personal assistant’s salary. For me, I used the envelope system before I even knew exactly what that meant. I set aside a certain amount of money each check for each bride. Sure, for some of the weddings I did have to use supplemental funds, but it is better than having to pay an unplanned lump sum at the last-minute.
Brides, be nice to your bridesmaids…your chosen ones. These are the ones who are holding you down during one of the most beautiful and stressful times of your life. Bridesmaids, remember that your bride is a bride only once (fingers crossed) and she has a vision for her day. If you are both honest from the beginning, then you lessen the chance of unrealistic expectations from both sides.

How Many Weddings Have You Been In?

FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, RSS Feed,

Email SMC: shemakescents@gmail.com