Five ways to help pad your wedding party's wallets!
Filed under: Negotiating Speed Bumps, Relationships, Budget Advice, Keeping the Memory, Etiquette, Wedding party
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It's absolutely a privilege and an honor to stand beside a close friend or family member on their wedding day, to support them through their engagement and to be a special part of the beginning of their marriage, but it can also be a pretty expensive role to take on. According to this article -- found on cnn.com on June 9 -- it can cost upwards of $1000 to be a bridesmaid or maid-/matron-of-honor. And some women just don't have that kind of money even if the role means a great deal to them. If you're a soon-to-be bride, here are a handful of ways to ease the financial responsibilities of your bridal party, so they can enjoy your day just as much as you without worrying if they'll go into debt doing so.- Let your bridesmaids choose their own dress in a color you select -- if your wedding colors are black and red, invite your beautiful bridal party to choose any black or red dress (one they may already have, for example). This can potentially save them hundreds of dollars (in costs and tailoring fees) and your pictures will still be stunning, with the perfect, complementary color palette!
- Limit the number of expected shower gifts -- if you're having a handful of showers and inviting your bridal party to each, pull them aside or send them a thoughtful note telling them a gift at each one just isn't necessary. If they'd like to bring a gift, tell them to choose the shower they most want to buy for (lingerie, kitchen, etc).
- If you're stumped about a bridesmaid gift forgo the monogrammed tote or color-coordinating shawl and pick-up an American Express gift card or -- if your wedding happens to be a destination one -- a gift card for Travelocity or a major airline. They'll appreciate any gift you give, but it would be that much more special if the gift could help ease the strain on their purse strings.
- Cut some corners for your shower -- Invitations are fun but an Evite works just as well; decorations are nice but there's no need to go overboard; favors are an added touch but also unnecessary. Let your bridesmaids know that it's not about the stuff, it's about the time with each other, so some of the "trimmings" can be eliminated.
- At your bachelorette party, buy your bridesmaids a round of drinks instead of expecting them to treat you. You'll have plenty of patrons willing to foot the bill for a cocktail or two, so treat your special women to a round on you.
What's in a name?
Dress of the day: Anastasia by Maggie Sottero
Unusual wedding cakes from Dragons and Daffodils
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jun 13th 2008 @ 6:45AM
cyrus said...
I have a wedding coming up and need alot of encouragement and advice.I find this blog very resourceful and think its brilliant.I love it
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