She Strengthens

The High Cost of Friendship: A Long-Distance Bridesmaid’s Expense Report

As we navigate the ups and downs of adulthood, there are certain inevitabilities we must face. Two of these certainties are the weddings of our friends and the exorbitant costs of flights across the country. I recently had the privilege of serving as a bridesmaid in my best friend’s wedding, and I’m still reeling from the financial aftermath.

A Friendship Forged in College

My friend and I met in college, where we shared countless memories, from late-night pizza runs to studying abroad in Madrid. After graduation, we went our separate ways, but remained close, despite the distance. When she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, I didn’t hesitate.

The Financial Reality of Being a Long-Distance Bridesmaid

As the “friend who moved away,” I’m no stranger to racking up frequent flyer miles to attend weddings. In fact, every single wedding I’ve attended in the past few years has required a plane ticket. And, living in Portland, those tickets are never cheap.

Breaking Down the Costs

So, what does it cost to be a long-distance bridesmaid? Here’s a detailed breakdown of my expenses:

The Bridal Shower

I skipped the surprise bridal shower due to financial constraints, opting instead to send a gift. Total cost: $50.

The Bachelorette Party

Flight from Portland to New Orleans: $323.20
Hotel stay: $411.00
Food, drinks, and activities: $445.98
Total cost: $1,277.62

The Wedding Weekend

Flights from Portland to Miami for my boyfriend and me: $910.40
Hotel stay: $678.27
Bridesmaid dress and alterations: $206.65
Beauty treatments and miscellaneous expenses: $341.57
Total cost: $2,560.01

The Grand Total

The total cost of being a long-distance bridesmaid? A staggering $3,887.63.

Was It Worth It?

My initial reaction to adding up the total was shock, followed by a sense of pride. This is what I work hard for – to celebrate my friend’s special day and stand by her side, despite the distance between us. If you’re like me and love data, you can view my expense spreadsheet here.

As a marketing professional living in Portland, Oregon, I’ve learned that the ability to celebrate life’s milestones with loved ones is what makes all the hard work and budgeting worth it.