If you’ve been invited to be part of the bridal party, it can be tricky understanding your financial role in the whole proceeding. Here are a few common questions many bridesmaids ask and how you should deal with each of these situations as they arise.

Do I Pay For My Own Bridesmaid Dress?

These days, it’s customary for the bridesmaid to pay for her own dress, shoes and any other accessories she’ll need. If the bride has chosen a specific dress that doesn’t fit in your budget, kindly discuss other options with her. If she understands your financial qualms, she may allow you to choose your own dress that’s more affordable (as long as you follow her color/style requirements!)

The exception? If the bride wants her bridal party to have their hair/makeup professionally done, it’s common courtesy to pay for this service.

Who Pays For The Bachelorette Party?

While a bridal shower is typically covered by the Maid of Honor or the bride’s family, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask other members of the bridal party or guests to help foot the bill for a bachelorette party. Many people come up with a “cover charge,” (i.e., an expected contribution per-head) for everyone who plans to attend the party. That way, the bride can have a wonderful time and one bridesmaid doesn’t have to worry about racking up a huge bill!

If this is the route you take, make sure everyone knows up front how much they are expected to contribute.

Do I Pay For Travel Accomodations?

If you’ve been invited to be a bridesmaid but live out of the area, you still need to pay for your own travel expenses. While the bride may have booked certain hotel rooms and reserved them for her guests, she isn’t responsibile for footing the bill. To help shave some of the cost, ask one or two other bridesmaids if they would consider sharing a room (thereby sharing the cost, as well!)

Financial worries shouldn’t force you to back out of the wedding. You’ve been invited to be a special part of the celebration, and these tips can help you cut costs and answer those questions you’ve been dying to know the answer to!