I’ll never forget the time my friend told me she expected her bridesmaids to pay for their own hair and makeup. I was floored. I had never heard of such a thing. In my mind, it was the bride’s responsibility to cover those costs, just as it was her responsibility to pay for the venue, the food, and the dress..
But apparently, I was wrong. According to a recent survey by The Knot, 42% of brides expect their bridesmaids to pay for their own hair and makeup. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Some brides are even asking their bridesmaids to pay for their dresses, shoes, and travel expenses..
I understand that weddings can be expensive, but I think it’s important to remember that your bridesmaids are not your personal ATMs. They’re your friends and family members, and they’re there to support you on your big day, not to foot the bill..
If you’re thinking about asking your bridesmaids to pay for anything, I urge you to reconsider. It’s not fair to them, and it’s not the right way to start your marriage..
Here are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for your wedding:.
* **Set a realistic budget.** Don’t try to have a wedding that you can’t afford. If you need to cut costs, there are plenty of ways to do so without asking your bridesmaids to pay for everything..
* **Prioritize your spending.** Decide what’s most important to you and spend your money accordingly. If you’re not sure what to prioritize, talk to your partner and your wedding planner..
* **Be creative.** There are plenty of ways to save money on your wedding without sacrificing style. Get creative with your décor, your food, and your entertainment..
* **Don’t be afraid to ask for help.** If you’re struggling to budget for your wedding, don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for help. They may be able to offer you financial assistance or help you find ways to save money..
Your wedding day should be a special day for you and your partner. But it’s important to remember that it’s also a day for your bridesmaids. Don’t take advantage of their friendship or their generosity. Pay for their hair and makeup, and let them enjoy your wedding day without worrying about the cost..
**Here are some additional tips for budgeting for your wedding:**.
* **Start saving early.** The sooner you start saving, the more money you’ll have to spend on your wedding..
* **Set up a budget spreadsheet.** This will help you track your expenses and stay on budget..
* **Get quotes from multiple vendors.** This will help you find the best deals on your wedding services..
* **Negotiate with vendors.** Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or payment plans..
* **Consider having a smaller wedding.** A smaller wedding will be less expensive than a larger wedding..
* **Get creative with your décor.** There are plenty of ways to save money on your wedding décor without sacrificing style..
* **DIY some of your wedding details.** This can save you a lot of money..
* **Ask for help from your family and friends.** They may be able to offer you financial assistance or help you find ways to save money..
By following these tips, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank..
