How to be a Bridesmaid on a Budget
You’ve been friends forever, but now that she’s getting married, you are going to be one of her bridesmaids. It is a special job and one that you and she will remember forever, but it is one that comes with several expenses. You want to take your job seriously. You want to do your best, but you’re on a budget. Believe it or not, you can be a great bridesmaid while not spending a fortune.
Travel
Once she has announced her engagement and asked you to be a part of the wedding party, start thinking of your possible travel expenses. If you’ll need to travel, start saving as soon as possible for the trip. Find out if you’ll need airfare or if you can make the trip by car. Find out if you’ll be responsible for hotel accommodations and if you can share a room with other bridesmaids. Try to book as early as possible for better prices.
Gifts
When you’re in a marriage, you will have a little bit more of a price than if you are basically participating the marriage. You’ll most likely have a marriage present, a wedding bath present. and a bride to be celebration present to buy as well. Begin off with a price range in thoughts and know what you can invest for each occasion. Don’t neglect the really awesome DIY presents that are out there: You can create something very unique for less than the price of a gravy vessel.
Consider providing a team present with other buddies or wedding celebration. If there is a bigger-ticket product on the bride’s personal computer, consider breaking it three or four methods. This will create the price a bit simpler to deal with and will assurance that she’ll get that more costly factor she wants.
As far as the wedding gift goes, try to shop early. The sooner you can get to the gift registry, the more options you’ll have. When you wait until the last minute, you may be stuck purchasing the $200 blender. By going early, you can purchase a few of the lower-priced items and have several options for bridal shower and wedding gifts.
image from www.ulovee.com.au/blue-bridesmaid-dresses-c140
Dress
A modern trend for brides is to just give her bridesmaids a color instead of requiring them to purchase an expensive wear-it-once bridesmaid dress that might not be flattering on everyone. More often, brides will give the wedding party a color and allow them to shop for their dress themselves. Usually, the bride will want to approve the color and style of the dress, but this will still allow you to purchase a dress in your price range.
You’ll probably need a few different cheap bridesmaid dresses for the wedding event. You’ll obviously need a bridesmaid dress, but you may also need a dress for the bridal shower and possibly a dress for the bridal luncheon and a dress for the bachelorette party. Start shopping months before the big day. Drop in on sales at each of the nearby department stores. Check around the end of the season if the wedding is at least six months away. Hopefully, you can snag a few great dresses, each at reasonable prices.
If all of the bridesmaids’ gowns have been purchased from a bridal shop, be wary of unnecessary alterations. They may suggest that you need certain features added in for comfort. Simply remember that you’ll be wearing the light blue bridesmaid dress with white sash for one day. You don’t necessarily need a loop for your bra strap or a dart at the waist. If alterations are needed for a better fit, you may be better off going to your local tailor.
Remember that your friend’s big day is especially important to her. When your day comes, she will be there for you. It’s important to give her your best and help her to make great memories. You don’t have to spend a big chunk of money to be a great bridesmaid and friend.