Broke Bridesmaid? What to Do If You Can't Afford to Be in Your Friend's Wedding Party

Weddings are wonderfully joyous occasions and being asked to be a member of a friend or relative's wedding party is a great honor. Let's face it, though, weddings are very expensive. The role of bridesmaid has it's own expenses from dress to shoes and beyond. Traditionally the bridesmaids contribute to the wedding shower and bachelorette party. This is all in addition to a wedding present for the happy couple. This can all add up to a nice chunk of change. If you are asked to be a bridesmaid in a loved one's wedding party and are a little bit financially strapped, you have some options to lessen the burden and fully enjoy the blessed occasion without going bankrupt.

Get A Part Time Job. You will usually have at least a year before the wedding takes place, so that is plenty of time to generate some extra income. Get a part time job and immediately open a new bank account where the wages will be deposited. Make this a separate account and do not dip into it for any other expenses besides the wedding. Hold a yard sale, walk dogs or babysit. Be creative and use your unique talents to raise money for the wedding expenses. If it is a priority for you to be a part of the wedding, pull out all the stops and work hard to raise the money.

Talk To The Bride And Be Honest. A really good friend will understand your situation and work with you to make it possible for you to be in the wedding party without undue stress about the financials. Get together with the other bridesmaids and discuss what budget is workable for all. There is a broad price range to choose from and with a little bit of research and savvy shopping, you should be able to satisfy the bride's wishes without breaking the bank. Chances are, you are not the only member of the wedding party on a budget, so dealing with the subject openly and honestly is beneficial for all.