7 Ways to Minimize Wedding Costs For Your Bridesmaids

The bridesmaid dress can be a major expense, and it's tough to pick one option that fits everyone's financial expectations. A solution: choose a color — a general "purple" — or multiple shades, as on a paint swatch, then let each pal find a dress that suits both her style and her budget. If you're worried that the range of hues won't work together, ask each friend to send you photos before they buy.

Rather than selecting a specific brand and design, choose a general type of shoe — a nude wedge, for instance — or, again, a color. This gives the girls a bit more control as to how much they spend, and they may even own a pair that matches your request.

Steer clear of saying that every girl must wear a certain type of jewelry. Instead, choose a simple piece as the gift for your bridesmaids: a bracelet, a necklace, or a simple pair of earrings. Not only will they appreciate the gesture, but the jewelry will also serve as a fun reminder of your big day.

To keep costs as low as possible, skip the jet-setting and stick to a nearby location. Choose a fun spot in your city or a nearby destination (road trip!) so that your friends aren't forced to pay for airfare on top of everything else. If you do opt for a place that requires flying, be sure to make plans early so that the girls can find the lowest possible pricing.

Sure, you want to make the party last as long as possible, but an extralong weekend can lead to extrahigh costs. Make it a one-night affair, or if you do choose to stay somewhere for several nights, plan to have just one "all-out" night and a couple more casual, low-key evenings. Try an at-home barbecue, a nostalgic sleepover, or your own DIY version of a wine tasting to keep the festivities budget-friendly.