The Shocking True Price of Friendship: Unveiling How Much It Really Costs to Be a Bridesmaid in 2025

Your best friend just showed off a shiny new ring and asked you to be a bridesmaid. While you revel in the excitement and wipe the happy tears away, a little practical voice in your head may have started to loom in with one tiny little question: “How much is this going to cost me?” If you’re wondering how much it will cost to be a bridesmaid in 2025, you’ve come to the right place.

Quick spoiler alert: it is a lot more than just the cost of a pretty dress. Weddings have become multi-day events, and so have the duties of a bridesmaid. This guide will explore every possible price for your bridesmaids’ duties, make sense of it for you, and lay the financial side of this monumental honour out flat for you.

The Ever-Growing Price Tag of Saying “I Do” (… to Being a Bridesmaid)

Being a bridesmaid in 2025 is a solemn financial obligation. Gone are the days when all you had to do was buy a dress and show up. Modern-day wedding celebrations are over-the-top, often lasting an entire weekend, with numerous pre-wedding social events. The events may include engagement parties, lavish bachelorette weekends, and themed bridal showers.

Given that the average wedding cost in 2025 is forecast to be around $36,000 or more, weddings are costing couples much more than they did a decade ago. It’s no wonder costs are going up for bridal party members, too.

So what does that mean to you as a bridesmaid? Experts see costs for bridesmaids ranging from as low as $600 for a very casual, local wedding and upwards of $5,000 for a destination wedding (and perhaps even more). The cost range is primarily due to the type of wedding, locality, and the bride’s expectations.

A Detailed Breakdown of Bridesmaid Expenses

Let’s unpack the various costs you can anticipate. Traditionally, bridesmaids are expected to cover their attire, travel, and contributions to pre-wedding parties. While some brides may graciously cover expenses like hair and makeup, it’s never a guarantee.

The All-Important Attire

The dress is often the first significant purchase you’ll make as a bridesmaid.

• The Dress: Expect the dress itself to cost between $150 and $400 on average. Designer or formal gowns for a black-tie wedding can lean towards the higher end of this spectrum, potentially costing between $200 and $350.
• Alterations: It’s rare for a dress to fit perfectly off the rack. Budget an additional $75 to $150 for alterations to ensure you look and feel your best.
• Shoes and Accessories: The costs don’t stop with the dress. You’ll likely need specific shoes, jewelry, and a clutch. Plan to spend around $100 to $150 for these items, though this can vary based on the bride’s vision.

Glam Squad and Beauty Prep

Every bridesmaid wants to look her best, but it comes at a price.

• Hair and Makeup: If the bride does not cover professional styling, this can be pretty costly. Plan on spending between $250 and $400 for both hair and makeup services. In some cases, if the bride needs this service, she will pay for it as a gift.
• Nails and Other Prep: Don’t forget smaller beauty treatments like manicures, pedicures, or a spray tan, which can add up.

Pre-Wedding Celebrations: More Than Just a Party

The pre-wedding events are a considerable part of the bridesmaid experience and a major contributor to the overall cost.

• The Bachelorette Party: This has become a cornerstone of the bridesmaid experience and often the most significant expense outside of the wedding itself. The average cost for a bachelorette party attendee in 2025 is around $1,300, a substantial increase from previous years. For a destination bachelorette, especially to popular spots like Miami or Nashville, this cost can easily exceed $1,000 to $3,000 per person when you factor in flights, accommodation, food, and activities.
• The Bridal Shower: Traditionally, bridesmaids may be asked to help host the bridal shower. This could involve contributing anywhere from $50 to $175 towards decorations, food, and games. Hosting the event at someone’s home can be a great way to keep these costs down.

Gifts Galore

Your presence is a present, but tangible gifts are still a customary part of being a bridesmaid.

• Bridal Shower Gift: A thoughtful gift for the bridal shower is expected. A reasonable budget for this is between $50 and $75.
• Wedding Gift: Even after all the other expenses, a wedding gift for the couple is still a tradition. Aim to spend between $150 and $200. A great way to manage this cost is to go in on a larger group gift with the other bridesmaids.

Travel and Accommodation

If the wedding is out of town, your expenses will increase substantially.

• Local Weddings: Even for a local wedding, if you need to stay in a hotel the night before or for the wedding weekend, these costs can add up.
• Destination Weddings: For a destination wedding, be prepared for a significantly higher financial investment. Flights can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the location. Accommodation costs will also be a significant factor. You’ll also need to budget for additional outfits for welcome parties and farewell brunches, as well as meals and activities not covered by the wedding couple. A destination wedding can easily push a bridesmaid’s total cost to between $3,000 and $5,000.

Cost Comparison: What to Expect for Different Wedding Types

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a handy table outlining the estimated costs for different types of weddings:

Expense Category	Local Wedding	Formal/Black-Tie Wedding	Destination Wedding	Micro-Wedding
Attire & Accessories	$250 – $400	$350 – $500+	$250 – $400	$150 – $300
Hair & Makeup	$250+ (if not covered)	$250 – $400	$250+ (if not covered)	Optional/DIY
Pre-Wedding Events	$500 – $1,500+	$500 – $1,500+	$1,000 – $3,000+	$200 – $800
Gifts	$200 – $275	$200 – $275	$200 – $275	$100 – $200
Travel & Accommodation	Minimal – $200	Varies	$1,000 – $2,500+	Varies
Estimated Total	$1,200 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,500+	$3,000 – $5,000+	$500 – $1,500

How to Be a Great Bridesmaid Without Going Broke

The honor of being a bridesmaid shouldn’t lead to financial stress. Here are some practical tips to help you manage the costs:

• Communicate Openly and Honestly: Before you commit, have a candid conversation with the bride about the expected financial commitments. It’s better to be upfront about your budget from the beginning.
• Budget, Budget, Budget: Once you have an idea of the costs, create a detailed budget for yourself. This will help you track your spending and avoid any last-minute financial surprises.
• Get Creative with Gifting: Consider DIY gifts for the bridal shower or pooling resources with other bridesmaids for a larger gift.
• Save on Attire: Look for sales on bridesmaid dresses, especially around Black Friday. Consider renting your dress or buying a second-hand one from sites like eBay or Vinted. After the wedding, you can also sell your dress to recoup some of the cost.
• Be Flexible with Beauty: If the bride is flexible, consider doing your hair and makeup. There are countless tutorials available online that can help you achieve a beautiful look.
• Thoughtful Travel Planning: For destination weddings, book flights and accommodations as early as possible to get the best prices. Consider sharing a room with another bridesmaid to split the cost.
• Team Up on Pre-Wedding Events: When planning the bachelorette party and bridal shower, work with the other bridesmaids to set a realistic budget that everyone is comfortable with.

Planning a wedding on a tight budget? This blog shares smart tips on saving costs, setting priorities, and creating a beautiful celebration without overspending.

It’s an Honour, Not a Financial Burden

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a sweet sign of friendship and trust. The money involved can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to reflect on how many other people do it! In the end, being a bridesmaid is about celebrating someone you love and an important milestone. By planning, communicating, and thinking outside the box to save costs, you too can be a great bridesmaid without feeling utterly broke.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much is a bridesmaid on average going to cost in 2025?

The price will vary greatly, but on average, you should expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. For local weddings, you should be closer to the low end, but for destination weddings, this can be easily exceeded.

Q2: Who usually pays for the bridesmaid dress?

Usually, the expectation is that the bridesmaid will pay for the dress, and any alterations are the bridesmaid’s cost.

Q3: Are bridesmaids expected to pay for their hair and makeup?

This can differ. If the bride requires professional hair and makeup, it is a nice gesture if she pays for this; however, typically, bridesmaids pay for their hair and makeup. The bridesmaid and bride need to communicate about their expectation.

Q4: How much should a bridesmaid spend on a wedding gift?

Despite the other expenses, it is still customary to give the couple a wedding gift. A good range is typically $150-$200 for a wedding gift, and with gifts, a nice option is to pool money together with the other bridesmaids for a group gift.