Ideas & Trends

With friends getting married left and right...how does a girl not go broke participating in more than one wedding in a short period of time? it's a situation kept on the hush because frankly, no one likes to talk about money...unless of course your bank roll is unlimited!

Bridesmaids - when offered to be a part of your friend’s wedding, understand what you are fully getting into. It’s not just a title my dear. Yes, aside from the honors that come with being asked to be a bridesmaid, financial obligations are a given in this role.

• If you don’t foresee your financial situation bettering, give the bride ample time to find a replacement.
• Communicate your situation to the other bridesmaids, and agree to put in what you can for the parties that are typically thrown by the girls; bridal shower and bachelorette parties. They’ll appreciate your honesty and planning the party can go accordingly.
• Drop subtle hints about how empty your piggy bank is! Someone will get the point!
• If dresses cost an arm and a leg, talk as a group, I can almost guarantee that you won’t be the only one feeling tight budgeted. Ask the Maid-of-Honor to suggest an alternative attire solution to the bride. Maybe different dresses in the same color?!
• Save! Save! Save! You might have to give up that daily latte or that chicken salad for lunch to put a few bucks in your pocket. $4 latte + $6 salad x 5 work days = $50! Ca-ching!

Brides - when scouting bridesmaids, understand what you are selecting them for. They’re not just an ornament to your altar, but being a bridesmaid requires time, patience, and financial participation. The following tips are thought of, in your selection process...I'm sure. Just take these as simple reminders that can easliy be over looked amidst this busy and exciting time.

• Don't ask a friend to be a bridesmaid if you are aware of their financial hardships. The bridesmaid’s title will become more of a burden for her than a celebration. Instead, ask her to do something else for the wedding, like a special reading at the ceremony.
• Allow your girls to choose dresses under your chosen color/theme. They can buy to fit their budget.
• Don’t give hints that you want to have an extravagant bridal shower or destination bachelorette. Let the bridesmaids throw a party for you that they can afford, trust me, it might be frugal, but it will be fabulous!
• Thank your bridesmaids constantly with words of encouragement. Show them that you appreciate their commitments and their loyalties.
• Lastly, have a good time! Say what you want…don’t demand it! Keep the Bridezilla inside!