To Marie Claire: What Being a Bridesmaid Costs Me
Posted by Mrs Zeee on 04/14/2009
I rec’d this from @marieclaire on the Costs of Being a Bridesmaid:
If anyone, I know a thing or two about bridesmaid costs!
5 Bridal parties and a wedding of my own later, I think the editors at MC were being extremely kind. Here is what I feel compelled to add about what being a bridesmaid really costs:
Gown you’ll never wear again: $349 (Closer to $500 if your bride has caviar taste)
Metallic strappy sandals you will wear again: $59 (If she is considerate enough to agree to stylish metallic and not dyeables or eeek Caparros!!!)
Arsenal of Spanx control-top under- garments: $80 (I must say, a worthy investment)
Alterations: $50 (This is accurate assuming your size hasn’t fluctuated horizontally, if you know what I mean, Cookie Monster)
Round-trip flight to scenic Des Moines: $349 (Try flying NY to LA! Advice: Drop your single girlfriends on the opposite coast before they get engaged, you can reconnect after they have their first kid…)
Three nights’ hotel stay at Holiday Inn: $168 (You Wish – Who secured that rate? And can I hire them for all of my travel?)
Gifts (shower, bachelorette, and wedding): $260 (This is a gross underestimate considering the disturbing trend of every bride I know wanting to do Vegas for her bachelorette party)
Penis tiaras for bachelorette party: $14 (Don’t forget stupid feather boa, matching T-shirts with bedazzled “bridesmaid,” and late night food to sober-up a pickled bride)
Replenishing minibar after you binge on self-hate cookies and Fritos: $35 (So unnecessary, plan ahead and bring snacks, then spend the $35 on upgrading those metallic shoes)
Manicure and pedicure in Essie’s Bachelorette Bash Pink: $60 (GASP! This is never a wasted expense)
Aqua Net and sprig of baby’s breath for your hair: $1.97 (If you’re still using Aquanet, you’re too old to be a bridesmaid)
Counseling for psychological damage done by groom’s dad hitting on you: $250 (No comment)
Photo of you in an orange organza gown? : Priceless (At least you’ll always have a back-up Halloween costume but don’t forget to add the boa and the penis crown!!! :)
Check out these sites for some great ugly bridesmaid dresses:
http://threetimesabridesmaid.today.com
Staci A said,
One of the many reasons I’m glad to have never been a bridesmaid! I can’t imagine spending $500 on a dress that gets worn once!
Maria@Conversations with moms said,
I was a bridesmaid 3 times in my life. All 3 times, I hated the dress and spent way more than I wanted. So when I got married, I decided not to have any bridesmaids. I wanted people to feel comfortable and wear what they wanted.
Sleepy AVON Lady said,
Been a bridesmaid once- last Dec. 4 bestest friend, Matron of honor last month to my sister, and Been married for 4, almost 5yrs now! So happy its all over! Whew. But lucky for me, my brides were sensible and had taste! Both gowns after altering… less than $200 ea. Both Bought my shoes for me, and the gowns I can wear again, one black and one classic taupe, A-line gowns. I have some pics on facebook, there I am Rachel Nesmith Russell. I personally think and had my bridesmaids tell me I had class, too, choosing $100 royal blue floor legth gowns and let them wear black shoes, b/c Who sees your feet anyways when wearing long gowns LOL!
Dore' said,
You are so funny!! I love your added commentary! I have been a bridesmaid a few times, but luckily my brides didn’t exactly have the most extravagant taste! Whew!
Add A Comment