How to Reduce Bridesmaids' Expenses

When first approached to be a bridesmaid almost everyone excitedly says yes. However, being a bridesmaid can really add up. Remember when asking your friends to do this that every shoe request, dress purchase, wedding shower, bacherlorette party costs your friends a lot of money. Here's how to cut costs so you can keep your friends and not be referred to as a dreaded bridezilla.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Allow your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses. Give them a color and/or style and let them pick it out in their budget.

2. Don't make the bridesmaids get manicures/pedicures. On your wedding day there will not be one person staring at bridesmaid #2's toes. Everyone will be looking at the bride. Trust your closest friends to not show up with chipped red toe nail polish.

3. Condense bridal events. Remember, every time you have a bridal function (engagement party, bridal shower, dress shopping, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding) your bridesmaids have to travel and pay for that travel. Have a few events back-to-back or even on the same day.

4. If you can afford it, try and pay for the bridesmaids' hotel rooms on the night of the wedding. It's a wonderful way to say thank you to your closest friends!