So one of your close friends, relitives or just your brother's fiance comes up to you and says "I'm getting married! Will you be my bridesmaid?" Immediately you say yes.
Two weeks later you and the rest of the bridal party are shopping and looking at $300 dresses, $150 shoes, $100 hair-do's and the rest of the works. Suddenly you are thinking how on earth will I afford all of this stuff.
Luckily you have scored an easy bride, she knows exactly what she wants and isn't fussed about how much it will cost whether it's a lot of a little. Here are some easy suggestions that would work wonders on your budget..
1. Dont pay full price one week if it will be on sale the next!...
Many people make the mistake of buying at the wrong times of the month. Remember, stores are always having sales so maybe it would be best to wait that extra week and get those perfect shoes when they are on the 30% odiscount table. Also, instead of spending all the money in one go remember that most stores do accept lay-by's, so lay-by the shoes and gradually pay them of, and then you will still be able to eat the week later.
2.It doesn't have to break the bank....
Many people forget that you can get clothing that looks exactly the same as your Chanel and Prada from those budget stores like Target and K-mart. This means that you really need to make sure you have checked all stores before you come to a decision on what to buy. If you have a flexible bride then she wont mind buying your shoes from a department store or a factory outlet. Most bridesmaids will only wear their dresses or shoes once or twice so dont go o buy Lisa Ho if your not going to wear it again.
3. Shop Around...
Remember to shop around. It happens often that you wil walk into a store that sells one thing for $60 and then you walk next door and they are selling it for $10. So dont settle for big well known stores, go to a couple of the little independant stores and check out their range because you are more than likely to find what you are looking for and it will cost you half the price than if you were to go somewhere else.
4. Haggle...
It is vital to let your bride know what is to be expected of her financially. Traditionally the bridesmaid is expected to pay for her own dress and if located some distance away her travel fare. Alternatively you could offer to help pay for part of the dress or fare as a gift to say ‘Thank You’ for her help.
5. Friends with benefits...
Lastly if you have a friend who does nails, hair, make-up etc. don't be afraid to suggest this to the bride because it means you could save yourself up to $60 per bridesmaid on just their hair and make-up..
Finally remember that being a bridesmaid is a lot of fun and it is an all round great experience so dont let the pressure make you stress out. Just get out there and have some fun and remember to help the bride.
by Lauren
Two weeks later you and the rest of the bridal party are shopping and looking at $300 dresses, $150 shoes, $100 hair-do's and the rest of the works. Suddenly you are thinking how on earth will I afford all of this stuff.
Luckily you have scored an easy bride, she knows exactly what she wants and isn't fussed about how much it will cost whether it's a lot of a little. Here are some easy suggestions that would work wonders on your budget..
1. Dont pay full price one week if it will be on sale the next!...
Many people make the mistake of buying at the wrong times of the month. Remember, stores are always having sales so maybe it would be best to wait that extra week and get those perfect shoes when they are on the 30% odiscount table. Also, instead of spending all the money in one go remember that most stores do accept lay-by's, so lay-by the shoes and gradually pay them of, and then you will still be able to eat the week later.
2.It doesn't have to break the bank....
Many people forget that you can get clothing that looks exactly the same as your Chanel and Prada from those budget stores like Target and K-mart. This means that you really need to make sure you have checked all stores before you come to a decision on what to buy. If you have a flexible bride then she wont mind buying your shoes from a department store or a factory outlet. Most bridesmaids will only wear their dresses or shoes once or twice so dont go o buy Lisa Ho if your not going to wear it again.
3. Shop Around...
Remember to shop around. It happens often that you wil walk into a store that sells one thing for $60 and then you walk next door and they are selling it for $10. So dont settle for big well known stores, go to a couple of the little independant stores and check out their range because you are more than likely to find what you are looking for and it will cost you half the price than if you were to go somewhere else.
4. Haggle...
It is vital to let your bride know what is to be expected of her financially. Traditionally the bridesmaid is expected to pay for her own dress and if located some distance away her travel fare. Alternatively you could offer to help pay for part of the dress or fare as a gift to say ‘Thank You’ for her help.
5. Friends with benefits...
Lastly if you have a friend who does nails, hair, make-up etc. don't be afraid to suggest this to the bride because it means you could save yourself up to $60 per bridesmaid on just their hair and make-up..
Finally remember that being a bridesmaid is a lot of fun and it is an all round great experience so dont let the pressure make you stress out. Just get out there and have some fun and remember to help the bride.
by Lauren
