Traditionally a huge honour, being asked to be a bridesmaid is now seen as an increasingly expensive commitment.
A survey conducted by the BF polling group in July reveals almost one in four women who have been a bridesmaid considered turning down the role because of the cost.
Among women aged 25 to 34, this figure rises to more than one in three.
The findings come as the cost of attending weddings continues to climb.
Once travel, accommodation, gifts, outfits and pre-wedding celebrations such as hen parties are taken into account, the average cost of attending a wedding now stands at £316.
For those in the bridal party, the expense is often considerably higher. In the survey of 2,000 women, nearly 60 per cent of former bridesmaids said the role cost more than they had expected, where a third of respondents spent between £250 and £499 at their most recent wedding.
The financial commitment does not end there.
Bridesmaids are also frequently expected to contribute towards accessories, shoes, hair and make-up appointments, as well as travel and accommodation costs for hen parties and the wedding itself.
With multiple events now forming part of many weddings, the overall costs can quickly escalate.
A significant portion of this sum goes towards clothing, with the majority of bridesmaids surveyed saying they paid for their own dress.
Typically priced anywhere between £80 and £500, bridesmaid dresses often adhere to specific themes or colour palettes — meaning that bridesmaids are often left with an outfit they may never wear again.
And for many, shelling out hundreds of pounds for one day is not an option.
The BF poll also found as women look for ways to make weddings more affordable, second-hand wedding wear is becoming an increasingly popular option.
Second-hand clothing platform Vinted found searches for bridesmaid dresses are up 17 per cent year-on-year, while searches for wedding guest dresses have increased by 47 per cent in the same period.
The figures reflect a wider shift towards second-hand fashion, as shoppers look to balance rising living costs with more sustainable purchasing habits.
Resale platforms also offer the chance for bridesmaids to recoup some of the money spent on dresses that are often worn only once.
While weddings remain one of life’s biggest celebrations, the growing cost of taking part is leading many to rethink long-held traditions.
For an increasing number of bridesmaids, saying “yes” to the bride now also means carefully considering whether they can afford to do so.
