Your bestie is getting married – or maybe it’s your cousin or sister? In any case, you’ve been given the honour of being a part of their bridal party and it’s your job to help ensure that the special day she has always dreamed of goes to plan.
Fashion brand, Quiz surveyed 2,000 bridesmaids and found that on average the duties of being a bridesmaid cost upwards of £400. The study uncovered that the most frugal bridesmaids lived in London with festivities costing on average £432 while Birmingham bridesmaids were going all out with £577.
To prevent costs from getting out of control, here are some savvy bridesmaid tips you should keep in mind.
Get creative with the hen night
As a bridesmaid, one of your main duties is organising a hen do that the bride will never forget but finding original ideas might be tricky. From booking a venue to arranging transportation, costs can quickly add up. Luckily, it is possible to organise an iconic hen night on a budget.
Consider different travel alternatives to flying, such as coach and trains, and make this part of the adventure. Getting together and travelling to your destination builds anticipation for your arrival. Also, instead of a hotel, think about alternative options such as Airbnb that may offer more cost-effective rates.
Think twice about extra spending
It’s only natural that you and your bride want to look your best so you might be tempted to pay a bit more for the finer details like makeup, hair, and flowers. It’s important to resist overspending where you can and look for cost-saving alternatives.
There are many benefits to doing your beauty treatments at home. From elegant DIY bridal hairstyles and fake tan kits to give you a healthy glow, you can save money doing these yourself instead of hiring a professional. You can also reduce unnecessary spending by doing rehearsal nights and practice runs to ensure everything goes to plan.
Invest in fashion pieces that last
It’s tempting to get a brand new outfit for every stage of the wedding, from the hen do to the rehearsal dinner. However, you can get more for your money by investing in versatile fashion pieces that you can wear again and style differently.
Most brides choose their bridesmaid’s dresses but if she has left it to you, finding elegant wedding guest dresses is a priority. Pick a pattern and cut that is flattering and that you can reuse for a future occasion. Jewellery and other accessories like handbags instantly elevate any outfit, regardless of the function.
Be there to support your bride
As much as it’s a special moment in your bride’s life, the lead-up is likely to be quite stressful for her. Your primary job as a bridesmaid is to support her throughout and listen to her woes during any temper tantrums.