Being asked to be a bridesmaid in someone’s wedding is not only an honour but a big responsibility. And let’s face it, weddings are expensive affairs so with the excitement comes plenty of expenses.
Jodi Gagné, wedding planner and founder of Simply Perfect, puts it, well, simply. “It’s not inexpensive to be in a wedding. And there are some brides that completely recognize that and sometimes they actually choose who they’re going to have stand up with them depending on their financial status — because they don’t want to put that kind of strain or pressure on their friend if they can’t afford it.”
Yikes. That’s said, it’s one of those things where a candid conversation is required and hopefully it works out for everyone. “Sometimes it’s not just about the numbers, it’s just knowing what the expectations are,” she adds.
Gagné points out that unless bridesmaids are really on top of their budget, they probably won’t even realize the amount of money they’re spending and spreading out over the average year, year and a a half leading up to the big day. “It’s a lot easier to manage, will probably go undetected and not hurt the wallet as much.”
The cost of being a bridesmaid is shocking, to say the least, but breaking it down helps it all seem a little more manageable. Besides, can you really put a price tag on friendship?

Pre-planning travel ($15-$20 per trip)
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Pre-planning dining ($40 per outing)
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Pre-planning miscellaneous ($50)
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Attire for bachelorette ($60 to $150)
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Manicure and pedicure for bachelorette ($80)
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Gifts for bachelorette ($250)
And if there's a Jack and Jill in the works, you're essentially throwing another party where you're "trying to figure out how to raise money," says Gagné, "like a casino element, or your bringing something, whether it's money to gamble with, or donations that are related to the party."

Attire for shower ($60 to $150)
Additionally, if the newlyweds are planning a post-wedding brunch or lunch, maybe consider wearing the same thing from this on the day after the vows are exchanged. Or something else in your closet. Otherwise, you're dishing out another $60 to $150.
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Manicure and pedicure for shower ($80)
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Gifts for shower ($50 to $250)
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Attire for rehearsal ($60 to $150)
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Manicure and pedicure for rehearsal ($80)
Now, while this isn't a mani or pedi, if you're in a wedding that calls for a Mehndi ceremony, which is typically held the night before the big day as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey on to marriage, you'll want it all or most of it applied beforehand.
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Day of wedding travel ($15 to $500)

Day of wedding dress ($80 to $500)
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Day of wedding accessories ($150)
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Day of wedding manicure/pedicure ($0 to $80)
Though perhaps if you use one of these awesome nail polishes, they'll last you longer, thus saving you money.

Day of wedding hair and makeup ($200 to $300)
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Day of wedding gift ($250)
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Day of wedding hotel stay ($200 a night)

Day of wedding babysitting ($12 an hour)
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Miscellaneous ($150)
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