The Real Cost of Being a Bridesmaid in 2025 (It’s More Than You Think)

Last Updated on May 29, 2025 by Joy Editors

The cost of being a bridesmaid in 2025 might shock you. Your wallet needs to be ready for expenses between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the wedding type. This is a big deal as it means that previous years’ costs.

Wedding expenses keep climbing, and bridesmaids feel the pinch harder than ever. The average wedding price tag will reach $36,000 in 2025, up from $33,000 in 2024. Local celebrations will cost bridesmaids $1,500 to $2,500, but formal or black-tie events push that range to $2,000-$3,500. Destination weddings take the cake – they’ll cost you anywhere from $3,000 to more than $5,000.

Several factors drive these steep prices. The list includes attire, beauty services, travel, accommodations, gifts, and pre-wedding events. The growing popularity of multi-day, experience-focused celebrations adds extra financial stress to the bridesmaid’s role. This piece breaks down your expected costs, shows how different wedding types affect your expenses, and guides you when costs go beyond your budget.

The average cost of being a bridesmaid in 2025

Your financial commitment as a bridesmaid can look very different based on the wedding’s location, style, and size. You’ll want to plan your 2025 bridesmaid budget carefully by looking at these different scenarios. Here’s what you might spend on different types of weddings.

Local weddings: $600–$2,000

Local weddings might seem easier on your wallet, but the costs add up fast. You’re looking at spending anywhere from $600 to $2,000 for a hometown celebration. Here’s what you’ll just need to cover:

• Dress: Around $150, though designer options can cost by a lot more
• Accessories and shoes: $100-$150 based on the wedding style
• Hair and makeup: Professional styling usually costs $250 or more if the bride doesn’t cover it
• Gifts: Set aside $50-$75 for the bridal shower and $150-$200 for the wedding gift

Pre-wedding events like engagement parties and post-wedding brunches can raise your total. The bachelorette party might also involve travel in 2025, so you should budget another $500-$1,000.

Destination weddings: $2,000–$5,000+

Destination weddings are the most expensive option for bridesmaids. Wedding experts say these celebrations will set you back $2,000 to over $5,000 in 2025. Your budget needs to cover:

• Everything from a local wedding
• Flights that cost $400-$800
• Places to stay ranging from $500-$1,000
• Extra outfits for welcome parties, activities, and goodbye events
• Food and fun throughout your stay

International bachelorette trips are becoming more popular and would cost even more. These weddings usually last 3-5 days, so they’re basically mini-vacations with all the expenses that come with them.

Formal weddings: $1,200–$3,500

Formal and black-tie weddings need fancier outfits and styling, whatever the location. These elegant events usually cost bridesmaids between $1,200 and $3,500[62]. The higher costs come from:

• Designer dresses that cost $200-$400
• Fancy accessories starting at $150
• Professional hair and makeup between $250-$400

You’ll definitely need professional styling to match the wedding’s sophisticated vibe. This makes formal weddings much pricier than casual ones.

Micro weddings: $300–$1,000

Micro weddings are the most wallet-friendly choice for bridesmaids in 2025. These small, relaxed celebrations typically cost between $300 and $1,000[62]. You’ll save money because of:

• Simple, affordable dresses
• Basic accessories
• Optional professional styling
• Smaller pre-wedding parties

These intimate gatherings still create amazing memories without breaking the bank. More couples are choosing micro weddings as an alternative to big traditional celebrations.

Your location in the country affects how much you’ll spend as a bridesmaid. Western states have higher costs (around $1,360 per wedding), while Midwestern bridesmaids spend less at about $1,100.

What bridesmaids are expected to pay for

Your friend asks you to be their bridesmaid. It’s an honor that comes with more than just emotional ties. A clear understanding of bridesmaid expenses will help you prepare your wallet for what lies ahead. The total cost ranges from $1,200 to $3,000. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should expect.

Dress, shoes, and accessories

The outfit makes up your first big expense. American bridesmaids usually buy their own attire. A typical bridesmaid dress costs around $130, though designer options can run $200-$400 for formal weddings. Alterations add $75-$150 to your bill. A simple hem job costs about $45.

You’ll need to cover your accessories too. Shoes range from $30-$100, based on what the bride wants. You might spend another $50-$100 on jewelry, hair pieces, and undergarments. Smart bridesmaids can cut costs by borrowing accessories or checking out secondhand options.

Hair and makeup

Wedding parties now commonly opt for professional styling, which costs about $300 per person. Hair styling runs about $130, and makeup application costs around $120.

The bride’s priorities usually determine who pays. The traditional rule says if she requires professional services, she should foot the bill. Optional services fall on the bridesmaids. Some brides meet halfway – they might pay for hair but leave makeup as optional.

Travel and lodging

Bridesmaids handle their own travel costs, which run from $300 to over $1,000 based on location. Destination weddings can push expenses into thousands for flights, hotels, and longer stays.

Local weddings often need one night’s stay, especially if the venue sits outside town. Many couples set up discounted hotel blocks to help save money. Early bookings and room sharing can trim these costs further.

Bachelorette and bridal shower costs

Pre-wedding celebrations take a big chunk of your budget. Bridesmaids now spend about $1,300 on bachelorette parties. Multi-day destination events have become the new norm, covering travel, rooms, fun activities, food, drinks, and special outfits.

Hosting a bridal shower means each bridesmaid chips in $50-$100. This money goes toward the venue, food, decorations, and activities. Each bridesmaid also buys a shower gift worth $50-$75.

Gifts for the bride

After all this spending, you still need a wedding gift. Bridesmaids typically spend $100-$150, though some sources put it closer to $170.

The bride should keep in mind that her bridesmaids have already invested a lot in the wedding. Many bridesmaids team up for group gifts or create meaningful handmade presents when money gets tight.

These costs add up fast. Many bridesmaids now open separate savings accounts just for wedding expenses. This smart move helps them support their friend’s big day without hurting their own finances.

How wedding type affects your total spend

Your role as a bridesmaid costs different amounts based on the type of wedding. You’ll want to know these differences to plan your budget.

Local vs. destination weddings

Local and destination weddings show the biggest cost difference for bridesmaids. A local wedding costs between $600 and $2,000. This covers your dress, pre-wedding parties, and gifts. You won’t pay for big travel costs, but dress changes and beauty services add up fast.

Destination weddings cost much more – about $2,000-$5,000+. Beyond the usual bridesmaid costs, you’ll need money for:

• Flights ($400-$800)
• Hotel stays (3-5 nights)
• Multiple outfits for various events
• Curated excursions and activities
• Dining costs throughout your stay

These weddings last several days and feel like mini-vacations. Bridesmaids usually pay their own way, though some couples help with hotel costs. Many wedding parties save money by sharing vacation rentals or getting group rates.

Black-tie vs. casual weddings

Your costs change by a lot based on how fancy the wedding is. Black-tie weddings cost bridesmaids $1,200 to $3,500. This is more than what you’d spend at casual celebrations.

These higher costs come from:

Designer gowns at black-tie weddings cost $200-$400. You’ll also need fancy accessories and professional styling. The dress’s fabric and details make it pricey—silk and chiffon with lace or beadwork cost more.

Casual weddings let you pick cheaper, comfy styles that might not need changes or extra accessories. You can do your own hair and makeup instead of hiring professionals, which saves $250-$400.

Elopements and micro weddings

Elopements and micro weddings help bridesmaids save money. These small celebrations cost between $300 and $1,000. This makes them the cheapest option.

Several things make these weddings cheaper. Small celebrations often let you wear what you want—sometimes just matching colors instead of identical dresses. These weddings skip big pre-wedding parties or keep them simple and close to home.

These celebrations usually happen nearby, so you won’t spend much on travel. Even with some travel, you’ll need fewer days off and fewer outfits.

Small weddings let bridesmaids join in without breaking the bank. Some couples even pay for bridesmaid costs like dresses or styling. Their wedding budget goes further because they invite fewer guests.

Hidden and rising costs in 2025 weddings

You might think standard bridesmaid expenses are manageable, but 2025 weddings pack a punch with hidden costs that nobody sees coming. These surprise expenses can push your bridesmaid budget way beyond the original estimates.

Multi-day events and excursions

Wedding celebrations have grown into multi-day experiences that showcase a destination’s unique charm. Couples now add sunset cruises, island tours, and beachside welcome parties to their celebrations. The bridal party needs to chip in financially for these extras.

The simple one-day celebration has transformed into a weekend-long party or longer. These extended festivities pack in group activities like guided tours, pub crawls, and catamaran cruises – each with its own price tag. These activities improve the wedding experience but can add hundreds to your bridesmaid budget.

Custom experiences and welcome gifts

Guest experiences have become more elaborate, which means higher costs for bridesmaids. Traditional welcome bags have given way to individual-specific welcome gifts with wellness products, local treats, and custom keepsakes. These fancy additions reflect a new trend where wedding weekends must feel like once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Couples now create interactive “welcome gift markets” where guests pick their own items. The couple covers the cost, but the bridal party often helps with organization and setup – sometimes financially too.

Extra outfits and extended stays

The standard bridesmaid dress isn’t enough anymore. 2025 weddings need multiple outfits for different events throughout the wedding weekend. Welcome dinners, farewell brunches, and themed excursions each need their own outfit, adding to your expenses.

Bridesmaids fly in days earlier for spa sessions, excursions, and themed dinners. Extra hotel nights, meals, and transportation costs stack up fast and can blow up your total budget.

A bridesmaid’s role has evolved into a mix of content creator, glam squad member, and hype woman. This bigger role brings new expenses that weren’t part of a bridesmaid’s duties just a few years ago.

What to do if you can’t afford it

Money issues often clash with bridesmaid expectations. Learning to handle these delicate situations can protect your friendship and financial health.

How to say no respectfully

Saying no to a bridesmaid invitation needs both honesty and grace. The best approach is to start this conversation early—within a week of the ask—and set up a private, face-to-face chat. Be direct but gentle: “I’m truly honored you asked me to be your bridesmaid, but I need to be honest about my financial situation right now.”

Your focus should stay on personal circumstances rather than wedding choices. This helps avoid hurt feelings. To cite an instance, say: “My current budget doesn’t allow me to fulfill all bridesmaid responsibilities properly” instead of “Your destination wedding is too expensive.”

Note that you should avoid making promises you can’t keep. Any false hope about “saving up” leads to bigger issues down the road.

Alternative ways to support the bride

Not taking on bridesmaid duties doesn’t mean you can’t play a meaningful part. Here are some alternatives to think about:

• Ceremony reader: Read a passage during the ceremony
• Guest book or gift table attendant: Help with day-of logistics
• Getting-ready assistant: Join morning preparations without financial pressure
• DIY contributor: Use your crafting skills for decorations or favors

These roles let you stay involved without the full financial load of being a bridesmaid. You might also share specific talents like photography, makeup, or planning help for pre-wedding events.

When to discuss financial concerns

The right timing is vital when talking about money worries. The best time is right after being asked—before the bride includes you in planning or buys items for you.

Bridesmaids who face unexpected money problems should speak up as soon as issues appear. Last-minute discussions create stress for everyone. Talk to the bride about specific concerns: “I can manage the dress and local events, but the bachelorette weekend is beyond my budget.”

Most brides understand reasonable limits when presented thoughtfully. Many will work with you to find solutions like wearing a different-but-coordinating dress or missing certain pre-wedding events.

True friendship goes beyond wedding roles. A bride who values your relationship will appreciate your honesty and desire to help in ways that work for your budget.

Interactive Bridesmaid Cost Calculator for 2025 Weddings

Planning to be a bridesmaid this year? Don’t let surprise expenses catch you off guard! Our brand-new interactive calculator helps you estimate the true cost of being a bridesmaid in 2025 – and it might be more than you think.

What makes this calculator special:

• Real-time cost estimates based on actual 2025 wedding data
• Personalized calculations for different wedding types (local, destination, formal, micro)
• Location-based pricing adjustments across the US
• Interactive sliders for dress prices, travel costs, and accommodation
• Smart breakdown showing exactly where your money goes
• Money-saving tips tailored to your budget

Calculate costs for:

• Dress, accessories, and alterations
• Professional hair and makeup services
• Travel and accommodation expenses
• Bachelorette parties and pre-wedding events
• Gifts and other wedding-related costs

Whether you’re facing a $600 local celebration or a $5,000+ destination wedding, this tool gives you the clarity you need to budget properly and make informed decisions about your bridesmaid commitments.

Pro tip: Use this calculator BEFORE saying “yes” to avoid financial stress later. Your friendship and your wallet will thank you!

Ready to crunch the numbers? Try our calculator below and discover what your bridesmaid duties will really cost in 2025.

Conclusion

The true cost of being a bridesmaid might change your perspective about this special honor. A hefty price tag between $1,500 and $5,000, based on the wedding style, deserves serious thought before you say “yes” to that heartfelt request.

Your financial health and friendships can coexist with open communication. Take a realistic look at your budget and figure out what you can afford before accepting a bridesmaid role. Small monthly savings dedicated to wedding expenses help you manage costs without disrupting your money goals.

On top of that, it helps to know that honest talks about money rarely hurt real friendships. Brides definitely appreciate upfront honesty instead of last-minute worries or bad feelings. Then, discussing your limits early lets everyone adjust their expectations.

The bridesmaid’s role has without doubt grown beyond just standing next to the bride at the ceremony. While costs have shot up, the role’s meaning stays the same – you’re there to support your friend during one of life’s most important moments.

Notwithstanding that, your presence and emotional support mean more than costly bachelorette trips or designer dresses. Your friendship surpasses wedding day titles, whether you’re an official bridesmaid or find other ways to celebrate. Weddings last just a day, but true friendships last way longer than any celebration.