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The Rising Financial Burden of Being a Bridesmaid
Being a bridesmaid is traditionally seen as a great privilege and testimony to close relationships. However, the financial implications associated with this honour have surged over the years, with bridesmaids now spending between $600 to $900 on average. For weddings in different states, those costs escalate to an eye-watering $1,500 to $2,000.
Real Experiences
Sherena Mulgrave, a 36-year-old sales manager from Melbourne, has experienced the escalating costs firsthand, having served as a bridesmaid ten times. She is preparing for her eleventh engagement this month, heading to London. Over the years, her outlay has reached approximately $18,000, although she asserts that each experience was worth every cent.
“I feel honoured to be a part of it. The finances are significant, but I wouldn’t skip it due to the expense,” Mulgrave stated. While most of the weddings she has attended were in Melbourne, she has also travelled interstate and internationally to destinations such as Sydney, Canberra, and Italy.
Expenses Breakdown
Mulgrave shared that accommodation typically costs her around $250 per wedding in Australia. However, she experienced a substantial expense of $3,000 for three days’ lodging during a destination wedding. She usually spends about $450 on dresses, shoes, and accessories, with only three out of her eleven weddings covered by the bride. Regarding hens parties, she spends roughly $350 on average for guest costs, but when more elements such as food and entertainment are included, overall expenses can rise to $600 to $800.
When it comes to wedding gifts, she allocates around $200, but this can vary depending on the wedding’s location. Mulgrave acknowledged the need for meticulous budgeting, particularly for destination weddings, stating that in 2023, she attended five weddings in a single year, necessitating cutbacks in other areas and working extra hours to manage her expenses.
Financial Insights from Experts
According to research by Easy Weddings, the financial burden of being a bridesmaid is more daunting than ever, influenced by inflation, destination weddings, and heightened expectations showcased on social media. Senior wedding consultant Darcy Allen explained that while many couples cover primary expenses like dresses and beauty treatments, bridesmaids are often left to manage numerous additional costs themselves. The hens or bridal showers are among the most significant expenses, with the average hens day now costing attendees around $200 to $250.
She observed a concerning trend: more guests are declining invitations to pre-wedding events due to rising living costs. Allen advises bridesmaids facing financial strain to have open dialogues about their budget restrictions. “This person is likely a close friend or family member,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of honesty in managing expectations and commitments.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the stories of bridesmaids like Sherena Mulgrave illustrate the complex emotions tied to the role. Despite financial challenges, many, including Mulgrave, find priceless value in the memories and experiences shared. Assembling a balance between costs and the significance of participation may be the key to navigating this increasingly expensive tradition.
“Money will come and go, but an experience lasts a lifetime. You’re part of someone’s life journey,” Mulgrave concluded.
This growing trend underscores the need for brides and their parties to engage in candid conversations around budget and expectations to ensure that the joy of celebrating love is not overshadowed by financial stress.
