There is no way around the fact that being in a wedding party can get costly. It was recently estimated by WeddingWire that the average cost to be a bridesmaid is $1200. While your wedding party said yes because they love you and want to support your marriage, you can’t expect them to go into debt doing so. However, by saying yes to being in your wedding party there will be certain things that traditionally your crew will be responsible for. Here is a list of the items that your wedding party should and shouldn’t pay for.
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Couple Pays For
- Bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages - these are considered to be part of your wedding and therefore the couple would pay
Couple Sometimes Pays For
- Accommodations the night before - if you are holding a destination wedding, then most likely your wedding party would pay for their own accommodations. However, if you are wanting all your bridesmaids to stay with you the night prior, whether at a hotel or Airbnb, it is more common for the couple to pay
- Hair and makeup day of wedding - if you decide to pay for your girls’ hair and makeup on the wedding day, it can double as a bridesmaids gift.
- Any special accessories - if you are requiring your wedding party to wear any accessories on the wedding day, such as a tie or jewelry, this is commonly provided by the couple. Again, this can be considered a wedding party gift.
Wedding Party Pays For
- Hotel and transportation to attend wedding - just as your wedding guests will pay for any hotel and/or transportation needed to attend your wedding, so will your wedding party.
- Wedding day attire - be mindful of the cost when you are selecting the attire you are asking your wedding party to wear. Your wedding party members may have different price ranges they are willing to spend.
- Bridal Shower (MOH and Bridesmaids) and Bridal Shower Gift - your maid of honor and bridesmaids (sometimes the Mothers of the Bride and Groom as well) will host and pay for your wedding shower. They will also provide a gift for the couple.
- Bachelor/Bachelorette Party and any travel and accommodation expenses involved - along with covering their own travel and accomodations, it is customary for those attending to chip in for the bachelor/bachelorette’s expenses.
- Wedding Gift - the wedding party will provide a gift to bring to the wedding celebration.