You've Agreed To Be A Bridesmaid Or Groomsman: How Much Will That Cost?

You said yes to being in the wedding party, now what? Three maybe four paychecks later and you're ready for a beautiful wedding weekend. For many, this is the reality when signing on to be part of a wedding. It's hard to say no to a big life moment, but for some, the cost could mean going into debt.

The prices to be part of the festivities are becoming astronomical. While reportedly being a bridesmaid can cost upward of $3,000, a groomsman can incur many of the same expenses. Depending on the wedding couple, some wedding parties don't pay at all, but this is more of an exception to the rule.

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Across social media, there is no shortage of grievances on the cost of being a bridesmaid. Some brides are even bucking tradition and taking a deviation because they would be uncomfortable asking anyone to pay that much. Then there is the possibility of a destination wedding, which may cause the total cost of participating to creep even higher in order to cover the extended stay.

Is it unfair to put a tangible price on a memory that will last a lifetime? And is the financial investment of being in a wedding party too much to bear?

Amid inflation and hiring freezes, is there a way to make an investment in a personal relationship while also being considerate of personal finances?

Weddings are beautiful occasions. And being asked to be a groomsman or bridesmaid can be a welcomed invitation, but transparency is important. We all want to know how much we should realistically siphon to enjoy the celebration burden-free.

BuzzFeed Community members who are wedding professionals, I am deferring this question to you. What is the breakdown cost of being a bridesmaid or groomsman in a wedding party? Add your findings in the comments section for an opportunity to be featured in a BuzzFeed story.