Part 2 | Bridal Shower Planning – Budget & Cost

As I wrote this post I started to feel like I titled it wrong.  This should probably really read, How to be a Great Maid or Matron of Honor or Bridesmaid or even better, Understanding the Costs Associated with Being in Someone’s Wedding.  But, we’ll pretend that this is just about the bridal shower and move on. Okay!

I went back and forth about whether I wanted to share how much was spent to host my best friend’s bridal shower.  I finally settled on putting it out there simply because I don’t think people realize the extent of the effort and money required to put an event like a bridal shower together.  If you want to read up on the effort involved read the first post in this series: Bridal Shower Planning – The Action Plan.  Of course, how much you’re willing to put into it is solely up to you and I’d never recommend breaking the bank in order to host an event.  So, do what you feel comfortable with and make the best of the resources you have available.

Note about Accepting the Role to be in Someone’s Wedding

I’d like to mention that before you accept the position to be in someone’s wedding please only accept the invitation if you’re willing to put in the time and take on the costs associated with being a part of their special day.  That includes buying the dress, shoes, accessories and getting hair and makeup done, where applicable.  You may also need to contribute to the cost of the bridal shower and bachelorette party, purchase gifts for these events and above all, make yourself available to help plan, attend/host the events.   Whoo!!  You see how costs can add up really quickly?  And, if you have the honor of being a Maid or Matron of Honor please recognize that that distinguished title comes with even more responsibility than that of a bridesmaid.

Budget

I personally chose to take on the bulk of the costs as I felt it was my responsibility as a Matron of Honor.  Everyone doesn’t feel this way about the role of Maid or Matron and that’s okay.  But, when I was asked to be a Matron of Honor I was so happy to accept and soon after I had a conversation with my husband explaining how important the role was to me and that I would like to budget $1000 for the bridal shower.  He didn’t understand but agreed anyway and went on about his business :).

• Set a budget for the event before you begin anything else.  You’ll need to know how many people the bride will want to attend in order to set your budget accurately so obtain the number of guests (you won’t need the specific guest list just yet) as soon as possible.
• As you work with the bridesmaids to talk through the venue, food, favors and game options and get a feel for the prices determine how much everyone is willing to contribute and go from there.  I only asked that the eight (8) other women in the party contribute $55 each and any costs beyond that I would take on.
• As stated above, understand that the cost just to be in a wedding can add up for folks and even consider that some have to make accommodations and arrangements (i.e., hotel, babysitter, etc.) if they’re traveling from out of town and depending on the nature of the wedding/reception.  Keep this in mind as you set budgets and request contributions as you don’t want to tax the group more than necessary.

• Venue Fee – $350
• Food/Decor – $610
• Cake + Cupcakes – $100
• Party Favors – $150
• Printables
  • Invitations/Games/Advice Cards – $100
  • Welcome, hashtag signs – $15
• Frames/Stand (for certain printables) – $65
• “Message in a Bottle” Materials – $50
• Thank you cards – $10
• Photographer – $125

       Total Cost: $1,575

Printables purchased from various Etsy Shops — See Part 1 of this series for links.

 

Be Strategic,
Photo by Natasha N. Smith Photography