I've only had the pleasure of being a bridesmaid in my mother's second wedding. As a result I'm kind of out of the loop when it comes to Bridal Party expenses. I didn't have to worry about a Bachelorette Party, an Engagement Party, or a Bridal shower, nor did I have to pay for my dress as my mother and step father took care of it.
Having little to no experience with this very important role in a wedding, I've once again turned to my friends and family with a little more expertise in this subject matter.
The Ladies in Waiting
The Bridesmaid's jobs are relatively straight forward: take on a portion of the responsibility for the wedding. They are to assist the Bride with any and all 
arrangements asked of them. It's no easy task to play coordinator, counselor, best friend, and assistant to an often times overwhelmed Bride.
Accepting the role of Bridesmaid is a very time consuming role that takes patience and dedication. This is something to keep in mind when selecting your Bridal Party, especially if you are declined. It is perfectly acceptable for a friend to decline the honor of standing in your wedding. It is important to remember that your friendship should not suffer because of her decision. Whatever her reasons may be, your friend is being honest with you and herself in saying she cannot perform the duties you are asking of her. Make sure you express your appreciation of her honesty and that there are no hard feelings involved- she probably feels just as bad declining as you do hearing it!
Not only is time a major consideration when accepting an invite to standing in a wedding, but the financial burden is something to think of as well. On the average, a Bridesmaid can spend a grand total of $900-$1000 from beginning to end.
There are ways, however, to limit costs for your ladies. Debts are wracked up through a number of things: Gifts (engagement, shower, and wedding), dress, dress alterations, shoes, shoe dying, hair, makeup, nails, any travel expenses, etc.
Once I had a look at a list of all the expectations on my Bridesmaids, I quickly weeded through it, eliminating any and all unnecessary costs. My ladies will be allowed to wear any shoes they want--within a color choice, of course. As for paying for hair, makeup, and nail services, that's their call. I certainly understand if they'd rather keep it simple. Not only do I have every confidence in their ability to look presentable, but I am asking these girls to represent me as they are, not an overdone version of themselves.
Your Good Fellas
Most of the same can be said for your groomsmen. They have a list of duties comparable to the Bridesmaid's and a shopping list of their very own.
The average cost from beginning to end, for a Groomsman is about $350-$400. Although it may be a bit less expensive than their "fairer" counterparts, it is still quite a chunk of change to come by in times like these. Men incur the most costs in renting the tuxedo. Many places have packages that include everything from the alterations to the handkerchief. Packages like these can average between $50 and $1000, the more expensive being fashion name brands.
We plan on keeping the tux as simple as possible. Going with the basic "007" Tux, as Mike likes to call it, can provide you with the perfect gift opportunity for your groomsmen: the accessories. Getting them personalized accessories, (such as their cuff links , hanky, and tie), will not only ensure the look you were hoping for, but will provide your guys with classic pieces they can wear to impress future dates!
We want our wedding to look organized and elegant, but it's very important to us that our Bridal Party feel comfortable in their formal wear. It's hard to expect people to enjoy themselves if they are pre-occupied with what they are wearing or worse--how much it cost.
So how much is too much money to ask of your Bridal
Party? I was never really able to get a straight answer from anyone, but I was told this: "Don't ever expect someone to spend what you wouldn't, buy what you wouldn't, or wear what you wouldn't."
Lena M. Sack is a 25 year old student of life currently working her way through Massage Therapy School. By day an Executive Assistant for a magnet company, by night,
writer and artist, Lena's latest mission is planning a dream wedding with her wonderful fiancé, Michael.