How Much Does It Cost to be A bridesmaid or Maid of Honour?
Are you excited to be your friend’s Maid of Honour but worried about the costs? You’re not alone! Being a Maid of Honour can be an expensive role, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. In this article, we’ll break down the costs associated with being a Maid of Honour in the UK and provide tips for saving money.
Summary of Costs
Pre-Wedding
Before the wedding day, there are several events that you’ll need to attend as a Maid of Honour. These events include the bridal shower and hen party, both of which can be costly. The estimates will depend on where you decide to host the events. There are also other costs to be aware of before the wedding which we have summarised below:
- Bridal shower expenses
- Hen party expenses
- Dress and accessories costs
- Travel expenses to and from bridal appointments
Wedding Day
- Hair and makeup expenses
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation expenses
- Gift for the couple
How to Save Money as a Maid of Honour
As the Maid of Honour, you may be looking for ways to reduce costs while still fulfilling your duties. Fortunately, there are several ways you can save money!
- Firstly, consider wearing shoes or accessories that you already own that tie in with the theme of the wedding, instead of purchasing new ones. Check with the bride she would be happy with this first!
- Secondly, planning the bachelorette party in advance can help you take advantage of early bird discounts and avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Splitting the costs of the bridal shower or hen party (decorations, games, activities etc), between the bridal party or hen party can help reduce the financial burden on any one person.
- You can also shop around for deals on hair and makeup services, or even consider doing it yourself if you have the skills.
- Finally, don’t hesitate to communicate with the bride about your concerns and work together to find ways to cut costs without compromising on the overall experience.
Cost Estimates for 2023
Bridal Shower Expenses
The bridal shower is typically hosted by the Maid of Honour and bridesmaids, which means you’ll be responsible for covering some of the costs. These costs can include food, decorations, and party favours. Depending on the size of the party and the location, you could be looking at a bill of anywhere from £50 to £200.
hen Party Expenses
The hen party is another pre-wedding event that can be expensive. As the Maid of Honour, you’ll likely be responsible for planning and organising the party, which means you’ll also be responsible for covering some of the costs. These costs can include accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and drinks. Depending on the location and activities, you could be looking at a bill of anywhere from £100 to £1,000. A local hen party will be a lot cheaper, however, hen parties abroad can cost up to (or even exceed) £1,000 if it is a luxury destination or a long-haul trip.
Dress and Accessories Costs
As the Maid of Honour, you’ll also need to purchase a dress and accessories for the wedding day. The cost of these items can vary widely depending on your budget and preferences. A good rule of thumb is to budget around £200 for a dress and £50 for accessories.
Wedding Day Costs
On the wedding day itself, there are several expenses that you’ll need to consider as a Maid of Honour which have been summarised below.
Hair and Makeup Expenses
Many brides choose to have their hair and makeup done professionally on their wedding day, which means you may need to budget for these services as well. Depending on where you live and what services you choose, you could be looking at a bill of anywhere from £50 to £200.
Travel Expenses
If the wedding is taking place out of town, you’ll need to budget for travel expenses such as transportation and accommodation. Depending on how far you need to travel and how long you’ll be staying, you could be looking at a bill of anywhere from £100 to £500.
Accommodation Expenses
If you’re staying overnight for the wedding, you’ll also need to budget for accommodation expenses. Depending on where you’re staying and how long you’ll be there, you could be looking at a bill of anywhere from £50 to £200.
Gift for the Couple
Finally, as the Maid of Honour, you’ll likely want to give the couple a gift to commemorate their special day. The cost of this gift can vary widely depending on your budget and what you think they’ll appreciate. A good rule of thumb is to budget around £50 to £100 for a gift.
We hope this has helped you get an idea of costs as a Maid of Honour! If there are any tips you can share to help save costs we’d love to hear them.
Read More! Why not check out our Maid of Honour Guide to learn about the roles and responsibilities as Maid of Honour, if you’ve never been one before?
