Maid of Honor - Bridal Shower Budget & Venues

The Maid of Honor needs to determine the budget for the bridal shower and that is not always easy. The budget consists of the costs for the venue, food and drink, entertainment, invitations, party favors and gifts.

Typically the largest expense is for the venue and the food and beverage. The Maid of Honor may try to find a thrifty alternative such as someone’s home, backyard or other venue where there is no rental fee or a minimal rental fee.

The Maid of Honor should find out precisely what is included in the rental fee – find out if the tables and seating is extra, linens, glassware, bar, etc. The more you know upfront the better you will be when finalizing your budget.

Once the Maid of Honor has the budget in place she needs to determine how it will be paid for –whether she will be paying the entire bill or if the bill will be split with the mothers of the Bride and the Groom or dispersed among the entire bridal party or all guests.

It is important to understand that this decision will impact the ability of some guests to attend. Depending on their economic situation, if the guests are asked to pay their own way at the bridal shower some may be unable to attend. Though, this realization should not deter the Maid of Honor from making the decision.

After consulting the mothers of the Bride and Groom a budget can be set and the determination of how the bridal shower will be paid for. Special accommodations may need to be made for certain guests so make sure you keep a list of that information.

It is important that you be honest about your budget and not over-extend yourself. The Maid of Honor has many expenses that come up for the wedding so you are not expected to be an endless fountain of money – unless of course you are Oprah Winfrey and money is no object, then by all means pay the entire tab and make sure you invite us as well!

Try to save money where you can by coming up with unique options for invitations and for shower favors to help you stay within a reasonable budget.