So, you’ve been chosen to be in the wedding party! First of all, let us
congratulate you on being such an amazing friend to the couple and
making the cut!
As exhilarating as this experience is, you also might be a bit confused,
especially if this is your first time being a part of a wedding party. What
does it mean? What does it entail?
As a team of on-location hair and makeup artists, we’ve helped many
gorgeous bridal parties look their very best on their big day. Many of us
have also been on the other side of the wedding makeup brush, so we
have that nugget of experience as well.
In this blog post, we’ve combined all this knowledge so we can help you
understand exactly what is expected from you, and give you an idea of
just how much being in a wedding party will cost you.
Photo by Diana & Korey
Managing the Costs
Let’s talk facts.
By some new statistics, the maid of honor can spend anywhere
between $1,500 to $2,000 for the honor of participating in their friend’s
wedding, while the best man is expected to spend about $1,000-$1,500.
When it comes to bridesmaids, the number can go as high as $1,800
while groomsmen tend to spend about $500.
Of course, the numbers can go up or down depending on the
location of the wedding, its size, the couple’s preferences, and
many other factors. To start estimating how much you’ll be expected to
spend, you need to take all of these into account.
Photo by Versa Studios
Party Mode
A cost that you can definitely expect is the bachelor/bachelorette party
and anything connected to it. Traditionally, the groomsmen/
bridesmaids cover the cost of the event and are also in charge of
planning everything about it. It's all about embracing the excitement and
going above and beyond to make this pre-wedding celebration an
absolute blast!
Alongside any financial contributions that you will be expected to
make, be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of your time to
help plan a memorable experience for the soon-to-be-wed.
Remember, it may take months to make sure everything is as
perfect as it can be, so you need to be ready to potentially give up
some side activities until everything is good to go!
As multi-day long trips and over-the-top experiences are on the rise in
2023, the cost of the bachelor/bachelorette party can get as high as
$10k, but it all depends on the location, duration, party activities, and, of
course, the size of the group.
Photo by JK Rose Photo & Video
Dress to Impress
Dressing up for the wedding is one of the most important aspects of the
whole wedding party experience. This means the clothing front is all
about careful planning and making sure you look your absolute best.
If you’re a bridesmaid, the first (and most important) thing you can do is
to talk to the bride and see what her expectations are. It's not just about
the bridesmaids' outfits on the big day, but also the cozy loungewear
sets she may want you to wear while getting ready.
When it comes to $$$, most brides choose their bridesmaid’s dresses,
but the girls are expected to pay for the garment and any alteration
themselves. Similarly, the same can go for shoes and any accessories.
Of course, there are situations where the bride decides to gift
accessories to her wedding party, so this cost may not apply to you.
When it comes to groomsmen, clear communication right from the start
to avoid any misunderstandings or awkwardness down the line goes
without saying. Normally, groomsmen pay for their suites (either
renting or buying is fine), but the groom may choose to offer to cover
some or all of the suit expenses.
Every wedding (and couple!) is unique, which is why having a one-
on-one with the couple will save you a lot of potential headaches.
It may seem uncomfortable to talk about finances for such a
joyous occasion, but trust us - this conversation is a crucial part of
the commitment.
Destination I Do
This is where things can get tricky and potentially more expensive.
Is the couple planning a destination wedding? Are they keeping it low-
key or do they expect a lavish experience abroad? Even if it’s just the
next city over, you’ll need to plan and budget accordingly.
It’s best to do research and explore pricing in the place you’re
looking to go and get that wallet ready for some fun! Consider
accommodation, activities, but also on-location hair and makeup
costs to get an estimate of what you may have to spend.
Photo by Yan Schwartzman Photography
Hair & Makeup Extravaganza
As on-location hair and makeup artists, this one’s naturally close to our
hearts, so let’s dive right into it. The price of your hair and makeup will
depend on the hmu artist your bride chooses to doll you up, and of
course - the chosen style of hair and makeup.
For example, updos cost more than blowouts. Airbrush wedding
makeup tends to be pricier than traditional makeup. If your bride
wants things like rhinestones and other elaborate additions to
your look that may be more demanding, you can expect a price
increase.
While it's customary for bridesmaids to cover the costs of their
hair and makeup, it's worth exploring options and discussing alternatives
with the bride. If you feel inclined, you could potentially opt out of the bride’s
choice of on-location hair and makeup artists and either go with a different HMU
artist or take care of your stunning look yourself.
But here's a friendly word of advice: before making any definitive plans,
we highly recommend having a heartfelt conversation with the bride.
The getting ready part is often super important to her, so your not
being there may be an issue.
Also, the bridal beauty timeline can often be pretty packed, making
it impossible for off-site hair and makeup artists to get involved, which is
another reason to budget and make sure you’re there for every second
of your friend’s wedding day!
Photo by Abella Studios
The Cost of Being in a Wedding Party: Final Thoughts
All in all - if you’re invited to be a part of the wedding party, you’re
going to be expected to pay for the on-location hair and makeup,
dress/suit and accessories, any travel arrangements, and the
bachelor/bachelorette party.
We also would like to remind you that the cost of time and emotional
involvement are often overlooked when talking about what it takes to
be part of a wedding party, so always keep that investment in mind.
If it’s too much, or you simply aren’t in a place where you can
afford to commit - be open and honest about it from the start.
We truly hope this post helps you navigate the amazing, yet demanding
“being in a wedding party” situation much more easily. If you’re located
in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, our team of hair and
makeup artists travels all around the area and can guarantee an
amazing experience for your wedding party.
Get in touch!
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