5 Hidden Costs Your Bridal Party Needs to Know About (and How to Handle Them)

Your wedding day is one of the biggest celebrations of your life, and your bridal party is there to help make it unforgettable. From emotional support to coordinating bachelorette shenanigans, your crew plays a major role. But let’s get real—being in a bridal party isn’t just about looking fabulous in photos; it often comes with a price tag that can catch your friends off guard.

To avoid awkward surprises and keep your besties smiling, here’s a breakdown of hidden bridal party costs and how to handle them like a pro.

 

1. The Outfit: More Than Just the Dress or Suit

The Cost: It’s no secret your bridal party will need to buy or rent their attire, but don’t forget the extras! Hemming a dress or tailoring a suit can add $50–$200 to the price tag. Then there are the shoes, accessories, and undergarments—hello, strapless bras and shape-wear!

How to Handle It:

• Communicate Early: Let your bridal party know the full scope of what they’ll need to budget for (e.g., "You'll need to buy these shoes and a specific necklace").
• Offer Flexibility: If possible, let them choose their own shoes or accessories within a general style or color guideline. This helps them reuse items they already own.
• Consider Covering Alterations: If your budget allows, offer to pay for alterations as a gesture of thanks.

 

2. Travel Expenses: The Hidden Budget Buster

The Cost: If you’re having a destination wedding or your bridal party lives far away, travel expenses like flights, gas, and hotels can quickly add up. Add pre-wedding events like dress fittings, bachelorette parties, or bridal showers, and the costs can become overwhelming.

How to Handle It:

• Be Mindful When Planning: Try to consolidate events into fewer trips, especially for out-of-town bridal party members.
• Share Group Discounts: Block rooms at a discounted rate for your crew and send them the info early.
• Offer Housing Solutions: If possible, provide accommodations for close friends or family hosting events, like letting bridesmaids crash at your house the night before the wedding.

 

3. Hair and Makeup: The Glam Factor

The Cost: Professional hair and makeup can cost $75–$200 per person. While it’s not always required, many brides want their bridal party to have a cohesive look—and your friends might feel pressured to opt in.

How to Handle It:

• Make It Optional: Let your bridal party know they can do their own hair and makeup if they’re comfortable with it.
• Pay for One Service: If your budget allows, consider covering either hair or makeup for your crew.
• Find Affordable Stylists: Look for stylists who offer group discounts or a la carte options.

 

4. Gifts and Accessories: The Extras Add Up

The Cost: Beyond buying a dress or suit, bridal party members often need to chip in for gifts—bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and even wedding day gifts for the couple. These extra expenses can add up to $100–$300 per person.

How to Handle It:

• Set Gift Expectations: Let your bridal party know that their presence is the best gift, and additional presents are not required.
• Create a Group Gift Option: Suggest pooling resources for one meaningful gift instead of individual ones.
• Consider a Joint Expense Plan: For group events like the bachelorette party, assign someone to organize fair cost-sharing (apps like Splitwise are lifesavers!).

 

5. The Bachelorette Party: A Weekend to Remember... and Pay For

The Cost: Between travel, lodging, activities, and meals, bachelorette parties can turn into pricey getaways. Costs often vary widely depending on the location and activities, but it’s not uncommon for attendees to spend $200–$1,000 or more.

How to Handle It:

• Set Clear Expectations: Talk to your maid of honor and bridal party about your vision and budget limits for the bachelorette party.
• Keep It Local: Skip the destination weekend and plan a fabulous local celebration instead—think spa days, wine tours, or a fun night out.
• Pitch in: If there’s a specific event or activity you really want, consider covering part of the cost for your crew as a thank-you.

 

Bonus Tip: Show Your Gratitude

Being part of a bridal party is an honor, but it’s also an investment. Show your appreciation by giving thoughtful gifts, covering some costs where you can, or simply being transparent about the financial expectations. Whether it’s paying for their bouquets, covering parking at the venue, or treating them to breakfast on the big day, every little gesture counts.

 

The Bottom Line

Your bridal party is there to support and celebrate you, so do your best to make the experience as stress-free as possible. By acknowledging and planning for these hidden costs, you can avoid any misunderstandings and keep the vibe positive and celebratory.

Because let’s face it—the last thing you want is your bridesmaids side-eyeing each other over the price of a hotel room when they could be toasting your happily ever after.

Have any budgeting tips or funny bridal party stories? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear them!