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The Rising Costs of Being a Bridesmaid in Australia
Being a bridesmaid has long been seen as a cherished role in wedding celebrations, but rising costs are making it a more significant financial commitment than ever before. Reports indicate that the average expenses for bridesmaids range from AUD 600 to AUD 900, and can climb to AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,000 for weddings held interstate.
The Financial Burden: A Personal Perspective
Sherena Mulgrave, a Melbourne sales manager who has been a bridesmaid ten times, shared her experiences with Yahoo Finance. Over the years, she has spent approximately AUD 18,000 on various bridal duties. Despite the financial toll, she insists that the honour of being part of these special moments outweighs the costs.
"I feel honoured to be a part of it. The finances are a lot, but I wouldn’t not do it just because it costs a lot of money," Mulgrave stated.
Most of her bridal parties have been in Melbourne; however, she has also travelled to Sydney, Canberra, Italy, and is set to visit London for her 11th role as bridesmaid.
Breakdown of Costs
The breakdown of expenses sheds light on how quickly the costs can add up. Mulgrave reported:
- Accommodation: On average, she spends about AUD 250 per wedding, with one destination wedding costing her AUD 3,000 for three days of lodging.
- Attire: For dresses, shoes, and accessories, she typically spends around AUD 450 per wedding, although the bride covers the costs for three weddings.
- Hen’s Party: The usual out-of-pocket cost is approximately AUD 350, with overall costs potentially reaching AUD 600 to AUD 800 when factoring in other associated expenses like decorations, flowers, and entertainment.
- Gifts: Mulgrave generally allocates about AUD 200 for wedding gifts.
The accumulation of these disparate costs necessitates careful budgeting, particularly when multiple weddings occur in a single year. In 2023, Mulgrave attended five weddings and had to adjust her financial priorities, including scaling back on other travel and picking up an extra retail job.
Inflation and Changing Expectations
According to Easy Weddings, the increasing expenses associated with being a bridesmaid are being driven by inflation, destination weddings, and heightened expectations often set by social media.
Darcy Allen, a senior wedding consultant with Easy Weddings, noted that while couples often cover major costs like dresses and hair and makeup, bridesmaids are usually responsible for additional expenses, such as shoes and treatments. The cost of events related to the wedding, particularly hen parties and bridal showers, has also surged.
“It is now common for hen’s days to cost attendees between AUD 200 to AUD 250 per person,” Allen explains, adding that some potential attendees are forgoing these events due to financial pressures.
Navigating Financial Stress
For those navigating the rising costs associated with being a bridesmaid, Allen suggests maintaining open communication. "Be honest and truthful about how you are feeling and what you can commit to financially," she recommends. This approach can help alleviate the financial strain while ensuring that the occasion remains joyous rather than stressful.
A Worthwhile Investment
Despite the growing expenses, Mulgrave expresses no regret about her financial commitment to being a bridesmaid. “Money will come and go, but an experience lasts a lifetime. You’re part of someone’s life experience,” she concluded.
Summary
As attending weddings becomes increasingly costly, aspiring bridesmaids must consider their financial capabilities while valuing the unique experiences these occasions bring. Understanding costs — from attire and accommodation to gifts and hen parties — can empower individuals to make informed decisions while participating in the joy of their loved ones’ celebrations.
