1. Let's start with the bridal shower. Brides.com estimates that many guests spend between $50 to $100 on their shower gift. When sifting through your friend's registry, have a budget in mind and go from there.
2.Let's talk fashion. Between the shower, the bachelorette party, and the rehearsal dinner, it can be tempting to buy a new outfit for every occasion. While a bridesmaid will almost always invest in a dress for the big day, there are ways to cut costs for some of the other celebrations.
3. Invest in a good neutral heel...seriously! While this isn't a foolproof plan for every wedding, many bridesmaid dresses pair well with a nude shoe. Purchasing a versatile heel for one wedding means that you can probably wear it for future occasions down the road.
4. While some brides provide the exact dress their bridesmaids will be wearing, others give the freedom to choose style and color, based on a pre-planned color scheme. If you're able to choose, do diligent research to find the right dress at the right price.
5. If the bride gives you the freedom to choose between professional hair or DIY, opt for what makes sense. For me, getting my hair done is always worthwhile since my hair-styling skills are nonexistent. If you or someone you know has the ability to perfect that gorgeous updo, this might be a category that saves you some cash.
6.According to the Knot, the typical bachelorette party costs over $300 for just one weekend, with destination parties costing anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000! These fun-filled celebrations don't come cheap. While it may feel wrong to skip out on a portion of the festivities, setting financial boundaries is key.
7.Remember to budget ahead of time! You want to be able to celebrate your friend without the stress of money in the back of your mind, so as soon as you are bestowed with the title of bridesmaid, start setting money aside.