Being a bridesmaid is a great honour and a sign that you’re very important to the bride. However, it’s a pretty expensive honour – bridesmaids are expected to foot the bill for quite a lot of things. Since It can be quite confusing figuring out who should pay for what within the bridal party, here’s a guide to prevent any embarrassing moments.

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES

Bridesmaids are usually expected to pay for their wedding day outfit, including shoes and jewellery. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that not everyone can afford to spend the same amount of money on a one-off occasion. So if there’s a particular shoe that the bride wants them to wear, for example, she may want to give them a little bit of leeway to make a decision that’s within their budget, or else pay for them herself.

BACHELORETTE PARTY

No bride should have to pay for her own bachelorette party – after all, it’s an evening, a day or a weekend dedicated to spoiling the bride rotten! The maid-of-honour should be tasked with making sure that drinks, food, venue and entertainment costs are split evenly between anyone who is attending, so do make sure that some aspects of the party (for example, a limo to drop you off at the venue) are in demand by enough people to justify the cost.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Brides who want their entourage to have their hair and makeup done professionally usually offer to pay for these services for their bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding. However, if you’re not sure, you can always ask politely "Should I do my hair myself for the wedding, or are you thinking of bringing someone in?” It doesn’t hurt to make sure you’re all on the same page. This also applies to any pedicures and manicures. If the bride doesn’t insist on any of these, be a gracious bridesmaid and make sure you’re flawlessly groomed.

FLIGHT AND ACCOMMODATION

If there are any bridesmaids who are coming to Malta for the wedding from abroad, they are responsible for booking and paying for their own flight and accommodation (yes, we did warn that being a bridesmaid is expensive). It may help you save money if a block of rooms in a hotel have been reserved at a discount by the bride’s family; or else ask politely whether any of the other members of the bridal party can put you up for a night.

WEDDING GIFT

Yes, there’s this to think of as well! Give as much as you can afford – most brides are sensitive to the fact that being a bridesmaid is pretty tough on the wallet. If they insist that you don’t get them a wedding gift at all, a sentimental present, like a scrapbook of your memories together throughout the years could be an inexpensive but totally heartfelt way to say thank you for being included on her big day.