It’s such an honour being asked to be a bridesmaid – it is, after all, the biggest day of the bride’s life, and she wants you right by her side through all of it. But, taking on such a role can prove to be pricey…
New research from American Express has found that bridesmaids spend over £450 for the privilege of being a bridesmaid. This may seem like a ridiculous figure, but once you factor in the hen do, gifts, travel and accommodation for the big day, numbers can easily add up.
| Items | Average spend – Usher | Average spend – Bridesmaids |
| Travel | £128 | £75 |
| Hotel | £101 | £93 |
| Gifts | £87 | £74 |
| Hen/stag do | £83 | £96 |
| Pre-wedding celebrations | £81 | £68 |
| Drinks | £73 | £57 |
| TOTAL | £553 | £462 |
It’s not only bridesmaid who have to fork out for the big day – ushers’ wallets will take even more of a hit at £553 per wedding. And you can double those figures if two of your besties are tying the knot in the same year.
What’s more, attending a wedding as a guest isn’t all that cheaper either; 32% of Brits will attend at least one wedding in 2018, spending an average of £303 on each event. And with UK adults planning to attend on average three weddings this year, the bill nears £1,000!
| Item | Average spend per wedding |
| Gift | £57 |
| Hotel | £54 |
| Outfit | £50 |
| Travel | £42 |
| Hen/stag do | £42 |
| Drinks | £36 |
| Hair and beauty | £22 |
| TOTAL | £303 |
For wedding guests, the largest expense is the wedding gift at £57, followed by hotels, outfits and travel. However, 68% say they plan to wear the same outfit at more than one wedding rather than forking out for a new look each time.
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