Let’s face it, weddings can be expensive…. not only for the hosts but for guests as well.  Attending a wedding can require travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and then of course there’s a gift to be purchased.  And let’s not forget the bridal party!  Our best buds often end up shelling out money for special wedding attire and pre-wedding events in addition to the costs regular guests face; which can really add up.  Sure our bridesmaids and groomsmen are our closest friends and are happy to support us on our big day; but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t exercise good judgment and restraint when imposing costs on them.  My advice to you?  Remember to consider financial situations when choosing your bridal party and don’t ask them to pay for more than you’d be willing to if the situations were reversed.

Source

I recently read a blog post on 20somethingfinance.com entitled “Avoid Putting your Bridesmaids & Groomsmen in Debt” that provided cost estimates of bridal party attendants and some tips for keeping bridesmaid and groomsmen costs under control.  Here are the 3 main takeaways from that post:

When you ask someone be a bridesmaid/groomsman, put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself, “If I were in their situation financially, would I like to be asked to be in their wedding for the same cost that I’m putting on them?”.

Do you really need 10 or 12 people in your wedding party? And do you HAVE to add that one poor sap just to even your pictures out? Really?? My wife and I had a Best Man and a Maid of Honor, and that’s it. We don’t regret it one bit and you probably won’t either.

What’s wrong with khaki pants (for the guys) and old prom dress for the gals (if they still fit)? In fact, that’s what we told our Best Man and Maid of Honor to wear. They spent nothing for the day of the wedding. Break free from stodgy American wedding traditions! You’ll like yourself more later on for it.

Pretty good advice if you ask me!  What do you all think of the article and of controlling costs for your bridal attendants?  Any horror stories or additional tips to share???