Apparently, this is how much it costs to be a bridesmaid in 2023

From planning a hen do, to wearing an often times questionable dress, being a bridesmaid is no easy feat.

And for anyone that’s lovingly walked down the aisle with their bestie on their big day, you’ll also know, it doesn’t come cheap.

Once you’ve added up the cost of the hen do, the shoes and the accommodation, it can feel like you’ve spent a fortune.

Only, new research has revealed the average cost of a being a bridesmaid in the UK and erm, we’re a little confused.

According to Quiz, we’re spending £408 on average to accompany our nearest and dearests on their big day which, while still a lot, doesn’t quite correspond to the dent in our bank accounts.

The amount varied from place to place in the UK, and somehow, bridesmaids in Southampton are spending just £35. Sorry, what?

Southampton brides, can we get some money saving tips from you please?

On the other end of the scale, if you’re from Birmingham, you’ll spend an average total of £577 to be a bridesmaid.

If you’re a member of a bridal party from Belfast, Manchester, Leeds or London you’re also likely to spend more than the average with the areas costing £575, £527, £468 and £432 respectively.

Quiz’s survey of 2,000 women also found that only 3% of those who had been or were due to be bridesmaids were having those costs covered by the bride and groom.

That left a whopping 97% of bridesmaids to pay the total towards the big day out of their own pocket.

Zara Masson, senior digital marketing manager for Quiz shared her tips for brides working with a smaller bridesmaid budget.

Zara said: ‘Consider affordable fashion options when looking for bridesmaid dresses and reuse accessories you already have.

‘The finishing touches to your outfit can add up. From shoes, to jewellery, consider reusing items you already have at home to avoid any unnecessary expenses.’

Zara also suggested using at-home beauty treatments rather than going to salons.

‘If lockdown taught us anything, it’s that although you may not get that salon experience, you can still do a pretty good job of pampering yourself at home,’ she said.

‘A great way to save some pounds, while still looking your best, is to consider doing the wedding prep at home – including manicures, pedicures and even spray tans.’

And, there are ways to ensure a hen do doesn’t cost the Earth too.

Zara said: ‘By staying local and having a more lowkey affair, you’re guaranteed to keep the costs low, but will undoubtedly still have the same amount of fun.’

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