How Much will being a Bridesmaid COST?

This summer I get the pleasure to plan and participate in my baby sister's wedding festivities! And now, as I am planning the bachelorette party getaway the planner in me LOVES making all the lists. I also feel SO OLD! How am I planning a weekend getaway for my baby sister?! So, as I layout everything that I have to do, I wanted to share a few tips to being a bridesmaid in 2018 and all that is may cost you! 

Image by Alexander Michl Photography

The planning, the pinteresting, the parties! Being a bridesmaid is so fun! But, it can be an investment. We wanted to breakdown some of the expected and appropriate costs of being a bridesmaid, so you can plan ahead! Of course, the cost will vary based on the location of the event, where you plan to travel for some of the parties and how far away you live. But, just in case take a look! 

Engagement Party

Usually the first event! And because you are a bridesmaid you are the guest of honor! So, if you can make it it will be well worth it. Remember to factor in airfare if you don't live close enough to drive. And don't forget a gift! We need to congratulate them on their engagement, so don't come empty handed. 

Airfaret: $300
Weekend Extras: $200
Lodging: Free (hopefully you can stay with a friend) 
New Dress & Shoes: $250
Hair & Gel Nails: $160
Engagement Gift and Card: $50

Total Engagement Party With Airfare:  $960
Total Engagement Party Without Airfare: $710

Of course you can cut costs by wearing something you own, or borrowing from your sister. So, book your weekend and enjoy! But, the big question is...

CAN YOU SKIP THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY?

If you do not live within driving distance this is more acceptable. But, being apart of the bridal party you should make this a priority to attend. If nothing else, send a card and gift wishing you could make it. 

Image by: Emily Crall Photogrpahy

Bridal Shower 

The 2nd event of the wedding is something as a part of the wedding party you should not only attend, but also chip in for. Speak to the host of the party and see where there is a need. Send money if your distance is too far to help. But, you can also support in other ways, provide help setting up or cleaning up afterwards. There is plenty to do, so make it known you are there to help out in any way. And at the bare minimum, you're going to have to attend,  look nice and buy a gift.

Airfare: $300
Weekend Extras: $200
New Dress: $100 (you already bought shoes for the engagement party, so wear those) 
Hair & Gel Nails: $160
Bridal Shower Gift and Card: $50
Bridal Shower Chip In Fee: $100 (or whatever your offered to bring/help with) 

Total Wedding Shower Investment With Airfare: $710
Total Wedding Shower Investment  Without Airfare: $410

Image by Brian Davis Photography

Bachelorette Party 

By far, this may be some of the most fun you have as part of the bridal party. You travel to a beautiful location, you wear matching dresses, sip cocktails and get your pre-wedding glow on. It's is going to be magical, and most likely the most expensive! Why can't everything be free? 

Airfare: $300
Lodging (hopefully shared): $150
Weekend Extras: $200
Money For Bride's Room: $75 (always chip in for this!)
Bachelorette Present: $50
Matching Bridesmaid dresses/attire: $50
Vaca clothes because well of course: $200

Total Bachelorette Weekend: $950

Want to save some money? Bachelorette Tip! 

The earlier you book the better the rate you can secure. If you know the bride wants to a gataway then ask to help plan and get booking right away! This way, you can better plan your budget. 

Your Bridemaid's Attire

We wanted to make sure that you didn't miss anything on the list here. Usually, the dress is a given and the cost is known well in advance. But, there is so much more to your look outside if your attire. It's the hair, makeup, nails, and shoes. So we've added those in for you too. 

Your Dress: $150
Shoes: $100
Gel Maini/Pedi: $160
Wedding Hair & Makeup: $100
Jewelry: $0 (this could be a cost if the bride does not have specific jewels she wants you in. If she does, she will gift you with them!)
Getting Ready Robe: $0 (The bride will provide this if she wants to include these)
Flowers: $0 (These are all included in the brides budget and should be no cost to you)

Your Bridesmaid Look: $510

Image by Val Marlene Creative

The Wedding Day

Don't forget your gift! Besides travel to the wedding, here are a few more items we wanted to make sure you included when planning to be apart of this special day! 

Airfare: $300
Hotel: $200
Uber to the venue: $10 (hopefully you can share)
Starbucks day of and next day: $10
Wedding Gift: $50
Celebrating your best friends: Priceless

Day Of  Wedding Day Costs: $570

Now, you may realize this seems crazy expensive and all the plans or details listed may not apply to the wedding your in. But, in case that it does... we wanted to you to be well prepared and to ENJOY YOURSELF! 

Total Engagement Party: $960
Total Wedding Shower: $710
Total Bachelorette Weekend: $950
Your Total Look: $510
Day Of Wedding Day: $570
Total Bridesmaid Cost In 2018: $3,700

Image by Less Traveled Photography

You don't want to FORGET to ask Your Wedding Planner this!

Booking is the easy part. You've found wedding vendors you love, planning bliss has begun. But... what happens when you forget to ask the right questions? Seriously, don't worry WE'VE GOT YOU! Here are questions you don't want to forget to ask your wedding planner. 

Should you have a grand exit from your reception?

Yes! If possible, what a fun way to end the best day of your life! There may be some regulations on some properties that will limit what your guests are allowed to toss or let go. But, if no laws are being broken, and we aren't hurting any animals GO FOR IT!  We love a grand exit. Some of our favorite have been lighting and letting go of Chinese lanterns, lighting sparklers while creating a tunnel for the couple to exit through, and bubbles if you leave when there is still some daylight. Make it your own, have fun, but be safe! 

Photo by Val Marlene

Do I tip my vendors? Including my wedding planner?

What most don't realize is that tipping is definitely something that is overlooked at a wedding. Just like if you ordered dinner at a restaurant you would tip your bartender, servers etc. But, because of the hustle and bustle of a wedding day tipping seems to go unnoticed.  Typically, those who are working your wedding are working harder on that day than if they were working at a weekly gig. Whether, your DJ plays at a venue every Friday night, no doubt they are getting tips from their services for a party that is much easier on them then your wedding day. Every vendor involved in your big day is there to serve you! And is definitely, NOT expecting a tip. But, they of course appreciate a thank you for a job well done! If you received great service, let them know!  They understand how important this day is to you and if they delivered, tell them! 

What happens if someone brings an uninvited guest? 

When planning your event, we always encourage you to plan for the unexpected. As a general rule, plan that only 80% of your invited guests will actually show up. But, there will always be those who bring an uninvited plus one or someone who shoes up but forgets to RSVP. When planning your seating chart or your ceremony layout, always plan for an additional 15% of your RSVP's to attend. There is nothing worse than not having enough seats for guests! Your venue and wedding planner should be able to guide you to the number of chairs to ensure no one is without a seat. 

Photo by Alexander Michl

Which side of the aisle do the bride's guest sit on?

Traditionally, the bride is on the left. But, not everyone wants tradition! If you are looking at the alter the bridesmaid should be standing on the left and the bride's family should be seated on the left-side of the aisle. Many couples prefer to not have a "bride's sides" when seating guests at the ceremony. So just make sure to inform your ushers that unless they are family sitting in reserved seating, guests can sit on either side of the aisle. And if your ceremony is outdoors, there is even less reason to have guests be on a certain side of the aisle. But, no matter what, remember it is your wedding day! You can do whatever you want! 

Photo by Val Marlene

DO WE INCLUDE A DRESS CODE ON OUR INVITATIONS?

Yes, this is so helpful and thoughtful.You have to be careful to not use cryptic wording such as "dress fancy" so keep it more specific. Use words like "black tie" or "resort dressy." I would never be afraid to google the real terminology for dress codes. Or as always, ask your wedding planner!  The time of your event, the location, season all do factor into your dress code. So seek out help to determine what you want for all your event specifics! 

Photo by: Brooke Pavel Photography

Do we need a receiving line at an outdoor ceremony? 

A receiving line is such a nice touch to any event it allows you as the couple to personally thank and talk to every guest! But, this takes time! AND LOTS OF IT! So if thanking each guest is important to you, build it into your timeline. But, if you are more concerned with dancing and mingling casually with your guests during the reception there are other times during the event that allow you to keep things moving all the while still thanking them for attending!  If you do want to have a receiving line after your outdoor ceremony, you will probably have to have the officiate make an announcement. Traditionally, a church ceremony only allows guests to exit one way which then naturally creates a need for dismissal. But, with an outdoor ceremony typically there is more options for guests to disperse after the ceremony has ended. This can create a quick move from ceremony to the next event which is great if your appetizers are hot and cocktails are ready! Remember, that for an event with about 200 guests a receiving line will take up to 45 minutes so build that into your timeline. And make sure to have the officiate announce each row will be dismissed so you don't have scattered guests. But, it is always best to take the time to schedule things that are most important to you! Remember, it is your BIG DAY. Make it unique! 

You've hired a wedding planner- What happens now?

You've heard it, hire a wedding planner.

Okay, so then what happens next? We wanted to help you know what to expect from your wedding planner, how to see the difference in a quality & experienced wedding professional compared to someone else on the market. 

They will be responsive to your needs. 

Any wedding professional who has quality experience will work with you. They know enough of the industry to be of help. In conversation with them you will hear their experiences in stories and tips. If your wedding professional is limiting times spent with them, limiting questions, or not offering reviews from trusted sources, be weary. 

Image by: Aly Carrol Photography

Their experience will overflow into conversations. 

Always speak to the wedding planner you are interested in hiring. Websites can be made beautiful, Instagram, and online imagery can be easily persuasive. But, a wedding planner is much more than just pretty pictures! They should be a sounding board for all questions you have. When you ask, their experience should overflow into conversations. And the lessons they have learned along the way are to your benefit. If you are speaking to a wedding planner you like and questions are raised, but no real life examples can be given. I would keep looking!

Image by: Brian Davis Photography

They will be your guide.

Each wedding planner will have their own style. But, they should lead the way. Getting you to the next step. Even if they are NOT a full-service company. A experienced and great wedding planner will be someone who can tell you what to do next, give you estimates on how long things should take, and follow up with you to make sure you are staying on track. If you hire a wedding planner and never hear from them. Think again! 

Image by: Alexander Michl Photography

They will tell you what to expect from other wedding vendors.

No matter if you are looking for vendors or working with ones you've already booked. A good wedding planner should be able to help you navigate what to expect from each of them. If you have questions or concerns with any wedding vendor your planner should know how to handle approach each situation. They will understand the market values and trends and be able to work with you to find or coordinate with each of them. If your wedding planner is not your biggest advocate, find someone who is!

Image by: Brooke Pavel

They will work well with anyone. 

A good wedding planner will always carry themselves with poise. They will first off always respect your wishes, but will easily work well with everyone else involved in your wedding. Including, your one uncle, yeah you know the one. They understand that during this wedding event there are a lot of moving parts, wonderful people, and so many things to get done. They will know how to get the job done and respect the professionalism of each vendor and all your loved ones. If your planner is not getting along with others, I would take this as warning and run! 

Image by: Aly Carrol Photography

What you are FORGETTING to Ask Your Wedding Photographer? →

Alright, so you're engaged looking for a photographer to capture your newly announced love, BUT THAT'S NOT ALL. You need this person to stand by you on the BIGGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. And, besides that, they need to be able to capture every moment on that day so you can relive it day after day,  until forever...

WHOA! THAT'S A BIG DEAL! So what are you forgetting to ask your wedding photographer? We've partnered with one of the best wedding photographers, Brian Davis from Brian Davis Photography. He is not only a talent, but SO experienced and so easy to work with. Take a look at what you're forgetting to ask.. 

 Do their packages fit into your budget?

Price is probably the thing people think about first when selecting a wedding photographer. While it is an important factor,  it’s not the only one to consider. However, you should make sure that your wedding photographer falls within your budget. Sometimes, working with your budget to allow room for investments is one of the most important convsersations to have. With anything, you typically do get what you pay for. As you move up in price, you should notice an increase in not only the QUALITY of work, but also the quality of the EXPERIENCE as well. Do some research, reach out to your wedding planner, seek out review sites that may help you get a better idea of other bride's experiences. The experiences of your wedding day is worth something too. Don't forget to factor that in. But, price does not always tell you everything. Ask questions, get to know the photographer a little and find one who speaks to you. And don't forget, photos are one of the best things you get to take away from your wedding day so remember to consider them an investment.

Does Their Style Fit into your Vision? 

Always look at the wedding photographer’s portfolio and the work they share online. You want to love their style. Take note of specific things you love about their work, is it bright and airy or more natural? Does their editing style stay the same or does it change constantly? Are their shots more posed or candid? Paying attention to their stylistic details will help ensure your satisfaction with your end result.  Each photographer’s editing and shooting style is unique, it is their art. Make sure you allow them to do what they do best and fall in love with what they are already doing. 

 

Does their Personality Mesh with yours? 

The personality of a wedding photographer is an important (and often overlooked) factor when selecting someone to document your special day. The best way to get to know your vendors, is speak to them. Ask to schedule a call or coffee date. Not only will this help you get to know how well your personalities mesh, but it will also allow them to get to know YOU. Serving you, will be uniquely designed for you. Allow them this privilege so you both can start to trust one another. This trust will be reflected in your images. I mean, who doesn't want their true personality captured fully on this special day?  

 

What does their package actually include? 

 Wedding collections can be complicated and confusing. Write a list of the top things you ABSOLUTELY want covered and then read through each package. Are the things that matter the most to you included in what they offer?  Are you getting the coverage you want? Are you seeking digital files or prints? If you are going with digital files, do you have printing rights or do you need to continue ordering prints from the photographer and incurring extra expenses? Does your wedding day coverage come with added extras such as engagement sessions, wedding albums, etc.? If nothing lines up, go back to your budget and see if there is room to move things around. Prioritize your photo must-haves and then re-look at the photographer's offerings. Speak with them about what you really want and need and never be afraid to ask for clarification. A conversation goes a long way. 

 

What kind of Service Should you Expect? 

How do you gauge service before you actually receive it? Service starts with your initial consultation. And there are a few things you can pay attention to from the very start that will give you a great evaluation on what kind of service they provide. Are they responsive in answering your emails quickly? Do they make themselves available to you if you have questions or concerns? If you ask them questions about your wedding day, do they have good, effective ideas to share from their experiences? And finally, are they open to producing the shots you are looking for? A wedding photographer that is not working for you from day one will more than likely not be working for you on the day of your event. Remember, you can always ask your wedding planner for recommendations, and support when meeting and speaking with any wedding vendor. 

Each wedding vendor is unique. Fall in love with that they do best and enjoy this experience! After all, this is the best day of your life!