If you have a little one, at some point they may be asked to serve as the ring bearer or flower girl in a friend or family member’s wedding. It’s an exciting event, but even though they’re small, their participation in a wedding can come with some big expenses.
Whether you’ve already jumped in or are still deciding how to respond to the request, the first thing you should decide is how much you’re willing and able to spend. Communicate this with the couple to make sure their expectations will fit in your budget.
Once you’ve committed, there are several places you can look to save money on ring bearer and flower girl necessities and accessories. We’ve compiled a list of five ideas to help dress your ring bearer or flower girl on a budget below.
If the soon-to-be newlyweds are open to it, ask for flexibility in the style of the ring bearer or flower girl outfit. For example, do they need to be in a matching miniature tuxedo or gown? Or would a pair of regular dress pants or a slightly less formal dress evoke the same “awww” from the crowd? The more flexibility you’re given, the more money you’ll be able to save by shopping around.
Keep in mind that many parents have come before you in the search for a ring bearer or flower girl outfit. Before you buy something brand new, ask friends and family members if they have any pieces they’re willing to part with.
If you don’t have anyone to borrow from, look around at consignment shops. If you shop in the late winter or very early springtime, you may have even better luck finding formal clothing that’s been put on display for spring holidays.
If your child is a ring bearer or flower girl, it’s likely you’re also in the wedding and are shopping for your own bridesmaid dress or groomsman suit or tuxedo for the wedding, as well. It may seem like the easiest option, but resist the temptation to purchase a ring bearer or flower girl dress from these stores without shopping around first. You’ll likely find more affordable options elsewhere.
While few retailers carry ring bearer or flower girl outfits in their stores, you might be surprised at how many offer children’s formalwear online. So, while you’re on the hunt for the perfect pieces for your child, be sure to look online, as well. Just make sure that the retailer has a flexible return policy, since you won’t be able to try it on your child before you buy it.
You can also look at online-only retailers that may have even lower prices because they don’t have brick-and-mortar storefront expenses. Again, just make sure you understand the return policy before making a purchase.
There’s an app for everything, including buying high-quality clothing at discounted rates. There are a couple of different types to search for, including discounted new clothing and online yard-sale style.
Discounted clothing apps allow you to purchase designer clothes at a fraction of the cost. Be sure to read the shipping terms carefully and plan ahead. You don’t want to get into a bind close to the wedding date.
Yard-sale style apps allow users to buy or sell clothing from each other. These apps give you access to secondhand clothes that someone else has hanging unused in their closet. Users typically upload pictures and set their own prices, which are often significantly lower than what you would pay to buy a brand new ring bearer or flower girl outfit.
Aside from clothing, there are other costs to keep in mind if your child’s going to be a ring bearer or flower girl. Clothing alterations can be a possible extra expense, especially if you don’t have a friend or family member who can do them for free. Shoes and accessories, too, can add to the total cost. Some of the places listed above can be a source of budget-friendly options. Lastly, you’ll need to budget for hairstyling, if you choose not to do it yourself.
While costs can add up, there are ways to get money back for what you’re spending, such as paying with a cash rewards credit card. Just make sure you pay off the balance before interest accrues so you can maximize your savings.
Find more money-saving tips on our WalletWorks page.