Being asked to be a bridesmaid in 2025 is like being handed an honorary tiara. You’re thrilled, you’re flattered, you’re picturing the gorgeous dress and tear-filled speeches but then reality hits. That tiara? It comes with a price tag. And not just a small one. In fact, being a bridesmaid these days is like signing up for a mini wedding of your own, financially speaking.
In this blog post, we’re cutting through the BS and getting down to the nitty gritty on how much it costs to be a bridesmaid in 2025. Because love may be free, but the dress, travel, and bachelorette trip definitely aren’t.
The Bottom Line (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Cheap!)
Before we dig into every dollar, let’s cut to the chase: you’re likely going to spend anywhere from $600 to $2,000 for a local wedding. And if the event requires a passport or more than two nights in a hotel? Buckle up—$1,500 to $5,000+ is not unusual.
These numbers vary widely depending on:
- Type of wedding (casual backyard versus formal ballroom)
- Location (local vs. destination)
- The bride’s expectations
- Your own spending habits
The Attire: Dress, Alterations, and Accessories
I mean, let’s be real, the dress is usually the first wallet gut-punch.
Bridesmaid Dress: $150–$400
It’s 2025: The average bridesmaid dress costs between $150 and $400, depending on whether the bride opts for a traditional bridal boutique, a designer label, or lets you choose your own. Some brides choose mix-and-match dresses, which can lower expenses. Others embrace the designer look, which often lays red-carpet gowns and performance dresses to waste.
Real-life example:
Melissa, a bridesmaid in L.A., dropped $380 on a floor-length satin dress that she never will, under any circumstances, wear again. “The bride wanted all to be in champagne gold satin head to toe—no exceptions. So, we went with this cute boutique that did custom shades. The dress? Stunning. But so was the price tag.”
Alterations: $75–$150
Unless you are a lucky bride lucky enough to fit into a dress perfectly as soon as you put it on, you’ll need to have your dress altered. This is going to vary (the sewist may suggest if it’s possible, if so, what they can do), but to hem or take in a bodice? $75–$150.
Bonus tip: Some tailors offer discounts on bulk alterations if multiple bridesmaids go to the same place.
Shoes, Jewelry, Undergarments: $100–$200
That killer look also wouldn’t be possible without the teetering heels, matching jewelry, shapewear, and plenty of other unglamorous underpinnings. And guess what? You’re footing the bill.
Beauty Prep: Hair, Makeup & More
Who wouldn’t want to look camera-ready, of course? But beauty costs stack up fast.
Hair & Makeup: $150–$300+
Lots of brides prefer to have the bridal party match. Translation: professional stylists. Some brides pay for it themselves, but there are many who don’t. If you’re paying yourself, hair and makeup combined can run you $150–$300+, especially with travel fees if stylists come on location.
Additional pre-wedding beauty expenses:
- Mani/pedi: $50–$80
- Spray tan: $40–$70
- Skincare facial: $75–$150
- Waxing: $40–$100
Some bridesmaids even treat themselves to lash extensions, professional brow shaping, or possibly even Botox (we’re not here to judge).
Travel and Lodging (The Big One for Destination Weddings)
Assuming the wedding is in a city, probably in another city, or, even more likely, in another country. Here’s where it starts to get iffy for your wallet.
Flights & Transportation: $400–$1,500+
Airline tickets vary depending on when you purchase, season and destination. For weddings abroad, the plane alone can cost upward of $1,500. Tack on Uber rides, airport transfers or a rental car and it climbs.
Case study: Priya traveled to a wedding in Italy from San Francisco. Her economy flight? $1,250. Add baggage fees, car rental and tolls, and she was spending $1,700 just to travel.
Lodging: $100–$500+ per night
Hotels, Airbnbs, resort rooms — it adds up. Unless you’re dealing with an extremely generous couple, bridesmaids are generally supposed to pay for their stay.
Room share tip: You can split the cost if you share a room with another bridesmaid.
Total travel & lodging cost: Between $500 and $2,700 or more
The Bachelorette Weekend (A Major Contributor)
Dinner and drinks just don’t cut it anymore. Today’s bachelorette parties resemble Instagram influencer getaways.
Average Spend: $200–$1,000+
These weekends often include:
- Flights
- Lodging
- Meals
- Party outfits
- Tours (spa, wine, boat day)
Example scenario: Miami trip
- Flight: $300
- Shared Airbnb (3 nights): $250
- Activities + Food: $400
- Matching outfits + extras: $150
Total: $1,100
Pro tip: Check with the bride ahead of time for any visions she may have. If it’s more than you have to spend, speak up before you book.
Bridal Shower Hosting & Gift Giving
Bridal showers – Traditionally, the bridesmaids host the bridal shower, and the cost will depend on the plan.
Hosting: $100–$300+
This includes:
- Location (If not at someone’s home)
- Food, drinks, cake
- Decorations
- Games or prizes
- Wedding Shower Invitations
DIY hosting is an easy money saver. Think backyard brunch, potluck-style.
Gifts: $150–$300+ Total
Smart move: Chip in with the other bridesmaids on a group gift. You save some money, and you come off as a generous gift giver.
All the “Extras” (They Add Up!)
This is where the sneaky costs come into play.
- Pre-wedding activities (engagement parties, dress shopping, brunches): $50–$200
- Post-wedding brunch contributions: $30–$60
- Matching robes, pajamas, or custom tees: $30 to $100
- Guidance for stylists or vendors: $20–$50
- Emergency Items (steamer, bandages, fashion tape) $20 and up
Estimated extras total: $150–$400
Tips for Managing Bridesmaid Costs
It isn’t always easy to talk about money, but neither is swiping your card 47 times a weekend. Here’s what it takes to survive (and thrive).
Communicate Openly
From the beginning, discuss your budget limits with the bride. You don’t have to explain everything just indicate what you’re comfortable with.
Prioritize and Plan
Say yes to what counts (while the dress and wedding gift), and scale down for what doesn’t (such as 5 matching outfits for the bachelorette trip).
Look for Deals
Websites like Rent the Runway, Poshmark, or Lulus typically offer inexpensive dress options. Check resale groups, too!
DIY When Possible
From decorations to photo ops, a little creativity can help drive down prices.
Group Up
Split rooms. Share Uber. Go in on snacks and drinks. Bridesmaid-ing is a team sport.
Set Expectations
If the full bachelorette experience would break the bank, it’s cool to say no to parts of it. Just be honest and nice.
Bridesmaid Bliss, on a Budget
For better and for worse, the fact that serving as a bridesmaid in 2025 is like an exciting, costly, blur of a dream. But with some smart planning, transparency, and a dash of financial creativity, you can support your friend without going broke.
So put on the dress, dance all night, and give the $50 monogrammed champagne flute a pass. You’ve got this.
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