How Much Does it Cost to be a Maid of Honor?

How much money did you spend on your best friend’s wedding?

This question plagues maids of honor every day. The amount can quickly add up if you don’t pre plan and budget properly.

I will list out a few of the bigger items that you will most likely need to be prepared to pay for as a maid of honor.

The engagement party

Not all brides want to have formal engagement parties, but almost every bride wants to go out and celebrate. This usually means gathering a group of close friends and meeting at a nearby bar for a celebratory drink. In true best friend fashion you don’t want your best friend to foot the bill for her own party, so you either add her drinks to your bill or rally up friends to each pitch in one drink for the future bride. The bill can add up if you are taking on all her drinks alone.

The bridal shower

The shower is most likely being put on by an older family member so the cost of this event won’t fall as heavily on you. Still expect to bring a gift off her registry.

The bachelorette party

The bachelorette party is where your wallet will be hit the hardest. As her best friend you are probably organizing the night and having to pre pay for most of the big events such as hotel reservations, limos etc that you scheduled. I suggest sending out an email at least a month in advance and having the group pay you ahead of time for their part of the evening. You don’t want to be chasing after people to pay you the night of. I have met many bridesmaids that didn’t get paid back and were stuck with a huge bill at the end of the weekend.

The bridesmaids dress

I have personally paid $300+ multiple times for a bridesmaid dress. I have often wondered is this my gift to the bride or do they still expect a wrapped box on the day of the wedding.. what do you think? I have never minded paying for the dress because I expect it prior to accepting to be in the wedding. In support of your friend you should plan to pay anywhere from $100 – $300 for the dress.

The pre wedding activities

Every bride wants to look beautiful on her big day. This usually means manicures, pedicures and hair highlights.. and maybe more. All of these events aren’t as fun if done alone. I would plan on paying at least $75+ for a manicure and pedicure a few days before the wedding and update your hi-lights for around $150 a few weeks out.

The wedding gift

This is the big question, and I wish I had a better answer. After spending all of the money that we have listed above, hundreds of dollars on your best friend… do you still get her a material gift? I think every situation is different and it is up to you to decide. Some people love to give and don’t have to think twice about this question, while some simply don’t have the financial capabilities to give more.

I want to hear more peoples thoughts on the expectations of spending money as a maid of honor. Did I miss any big expenses?